Historic tall ships sail into Kirkland today

The historic tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will arrive at Kirkland’s Carillon Point guest dock from 5-6 p.m. Monday evening, Aug. 27, with their cannons firing.

The historic tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will arrive at Kirkland’s Carillon Point guest dock from 5-6 p.m. Monday evening, Aug. 27, with their cannons firing.

The tall ships’ arrival begins a weeklong stay in Kirkland that will include public activities including tours and sailings.

Activities on Aug. 28-29 will include private charters in conjunction with the Woodmark Hotel.

The Lady Washington will be available for public tours beginning Thursday, Aug. 30 from noon to 6 p.m. while it is moored at Kirkland’s Marina Park. The ship accommodates 60-100 visitors an hour and complimentary tours last approximately 30 minutes.

There also will be two free sails on that day – the first is an educational sail from 9 a.m. to noon in which children can learn about life at sea and basic navigation skills. A second sail from 6 to 8 p.m. allows visitors to participate in the operation of an 18th century tall ship, from raising the sails to taking the helm.

On Labor Day Weekend, both ships will set out on two hour sailings from the Woodmark for “mock battles” and Lake Washington tours.

The Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. sailings are family friendly and the 5 p.m. sailings are cocktail cruises for adults age 21 and over. Boxed meals will be included for all sailings and beer and wine will be available for purchase during the cocktail cruises.

Ticket prices for the sales are $36.50 for adults ages 21 and over and $25 for children age 20 and under (plus tax and processing fee). To check ticket availability, see http://tallshipskirkland.eventbrite.com/.For more information on the tall ships, visit www.historicalseaport.org.