Unleash your inner pirate. Get a taste of life on the high seas as two historic ships dock in Kirkland, including one used in the 2003 film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.”
Both vessels will be moored at Carillon Point from Aug. 27-Sept. 2.
The Lady Washington may be better known to movie buffs as the HMS Interceptor from the first film in the Disney “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy. In the film, Capt. Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, steals the Interceptor with the help of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom).
When not playing a role in the movies, the Lady Washington is the official ship of the state of Washington. The vessel is a full-scale reproduction of the original Lady Washington, the first American vessel to reach the West coast in 1788.
The modern version, 112 feet in length, was constructed in Aberdeen, Wash., by master shipwrights. The second ship is a topsail ketch, Hawaiian Chieftain, a replica of a typical European merchant trader popular during the late 19th century. Built in 1998, it was originally designed for cargo trade.
A full schedule of public dockside tours, evening sails and battle sails (family-friendly or adults-only) will be available during Labor Day week at Carillon Point.
For the dockside tours, crew in period dress will demonstrate basic seafaring skills, share stories and make maritime history come alive. On the ticketed sails, passengers get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn about life on the high seas while enjoying stunning views of Lake Washington. Adventure sails and battle cruises depart from the Carillon Point guest dock.
Here is the daily schedule:
• Wednesday, Aug. 28: 6 p.m. evening sail on the Hawaiian Chieftain. Tickets at: www.historicalseaport.org.
• Thursday, Aug. 29: 1:30–5 p.m. dockside public tours; 6 p.m. evening sail on the Lady Washington. Tickets at www.historicalseaport.org.
• Friday, Aug. 30: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. dockside public tours. Afternoon adventure sail (all ages) and evening battle sail (adults only). Tickets/sail times at: http://pirateshipcruises.eventbrite.com/.
• Saturday, Aug. 31: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. dockside public tours. Afternoon battle sail (all ages) and evening battle sail (adults only). Tickets/sail times at: http://pirateshipcruises.eventbrite.com/
• Sunday, Sept. 1: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. dockside public tours. 2 p.m. battle sail (all ages).Tickets at: http://pirateshipcruises.eventbrite.com/
• Monday, Sept. 2: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. dockside public tours; 2 p.m. battle sail (all ages, both ships). Tickets at www.historicalseaport.org.
Reservations for the dockside public tours are not necessary. The ships accommodate 60-100 visitors an hour and tours last about 30 minutes. Visitors will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. A $3 per person donation for the walk-on tours is appreciated.
Kirkland’s prime location on Lake Washington, with views of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle skyline, makes a dramatic setting for a tall ships visit. The city’s two miles of waterfront footage is the largest publicly-owned waterfront on the Eastside. Besides playing host to the tall ships, the Kirkland lakefront is ideal for kayaking, sailboating, paddle-boarding or biking.
For more information: www.explorekirkland.com.
