Pirates sailing the Seven Seas?  Pilgrims on their way to unknown  lands?  As you see these mighty ships with sails raised and billowing in the wind, you’ll think you’ve gone back in time.

The Port of Corpus Christi is bringing an unprecedented Tall Ship experience to South Texas for an unforgettable Independence Day Celebration. The event will be hosted at Naval Station Ingleside from July 1 to July 5, 2010.

Sail South Texas 2010, presented by HEB will mark a unique combination of regional, national and international celebrations—the bicentennial of independence from Spain for the home countries of three of the visiting ships, the United States Fourth of July observance, and the official transfer of the Naval Station Ingleside to Port Corpus Christi.

A tall ship is a large traditionally rigged sailing vessel. It is generally more complex than modern rigging, which utilizes newer materials such as aluminum and steel to construct taller, lightweight masts with fewer, more versatile sails. The term tall ship came into widespread use in the mid-20th century, and was not generally used in the era when such ships were the norm.

The vessels that will be sailing into the Bay of Corpus Christi are the United States Coast Guard Academy ship “Eagle,” the “Cuauhtemoc” from Mexico, the “Esmeralda” from Chile and the “Capitan Miranda” from Uruguay.  These ships are wonders to behold,  The USCG Eagle is a 1936 Barque with 3 masts, measuring 80.7 meters. The Esmeralda is a 1953 Barquentine with 4 masts, measuring 94.1 meters. Cuauhtemoc is the newest of the ships, built in 1982, with 3 masts. Rounding out the fleet is the Captain Miranda, built in 1930, she has 3 masts and is a Staysail Schooner, measuring 50.3 meters. These remarkable vessels are used by each country’s Navy to train its officer cadets and sail with crews of about 300 officers and cadets.

Sail South Texas 2010 is an international event hosted by Port Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Buccaneer Commission to open the doors of its newest facility at Ingleside to area citizens and visitors. Free to the public, the Tall Ships experience celebrates national independence, culture, music, food and folklore of the participating countries.  Parking is $5. Note that no coolers are allowed.  Dress comfortably for ship tours and closed toe shoes are recommended.

www.sailsouthtexas2010.com

Thursday, July 1, 2010

8:00am             Gates open

8:00am-3:00pm           Ships Arrival

first ship ETA 8:00am

Friday, July 2, 2010

10:00 am          Gates open

10:00-5:00pm  Self Guided Ship Tours

Musical Guests         Del Castillo

Eddie Olivares Jr.

Mariachi Aguila

Scarecrow People

Ships Bands

US Navy Band

9:30-10:00pm  Fireworks

Saturday, July 3, 2010

10:00 am          Gates open

10:00-5:00pm  Self Guided Ship Tour

Musical Guests         Albert Del Rio

Another Level

Asleep at the Wheel

Del Castillo

Mariachi Aguila

Seth Walker

Ships Band

Sisters Morales

The Electrotypes

9:30-10:00pm Fireworks

Sunday, July 4, 2010

10:00 am          Gates open

10:00-5:00pm  Self Guided Ship Tour

Musical Guests         Albert Del Rio

Mariachi Aguila

Saline Fiddlers

Seth Walker

Sisters Morales

The Electrotypes

9:30-10:00pm  Fireworks

Monday, July 5, 2010

9:00am             Blessing of the Fleet