FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW ORLEANS (October 18, 2017) – A magnificent line-up of historic sailing ships known as “tall ships” from the US and the Netherlands will sail in to New Orleans’ riverfront this spring. Produced by the nonprofit Tricentennial Tall Ships® Committee, Tall Ships® New Orleans 2018 will take place April 19–22, 2018 along Woldenberg Park. The event coincides with NOLA Navy Week.

“A no-charge event, Tall Ships® New Orleans 2018 is a gift to New Orleans, with the chance to share our rich maritime history on the Mississippi River with students and the community,” says Premium Parking President and CEO Jim Huger, head of the New Orleans Tricentennial Tall Ships® Committee. “Our goal is to share the educational mission of each of the visiting ships to learn more about science and history and the impact both have had on our city.”

The current lineup of ships that will be docked at Woldenberg Park include Elissa from Galveston, who celebrates her 132nd birthday next year; Oosterschelde from The Netherlands, and Oliver Hazard Perry from Newport, RI, named after the Commander who won the Battle of Lake Erie, a turning point in the War of 1812. Three smaller tall ships will sail from Lake Pontchartrain from South Shore Harbor Marina. Ships range in length from 77’–205’, with rig heights up to 130’.

"We are thrilled to bring the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® series to the Gulf of Mexico for the first time ever, especially to celebrate New Orleans' Tricentennial. New Orleans was built on maritime trade, and the mingling of world cultures through this commerce shaped the city throughout its history. Just as important, this visit allows us to share the ships’ history and missions with New Orleans’ students. We are helping local teachers develop a curriculum that can be used both in the classroom and dockside,” said Bert Rogers, Executive Director, Tall Ships America.

The visitation of up to seven tall ships is part of Tall Ship America’s TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® 2018 Gulf Coast Race Series. A nonprofit organization based in Newport, RI, Tall Ships America coordinates gatherings of member vessels to promote their education, history and science curriculum. Other stops in the Gulf Coast include Galveston, TX (April 5–8, 2018) and Pensacola, FL (April 12–15, 2018). A portion of the fleet will continue up the Atlantic, arriving in Philadelphia, PA (May 25–28, 2018).

“Whitney Bank is pleased to support this community effort to bring the tall ships to New Orleans for the Tricentennial, said Gary Lorio, Regional President of Whitney Bank. “What better way to showcase our waterfront and our city history,” he continued.

To make this event possible, Tall Ships® New Orleans will host a grand black-tie gala on deck and dockside on Saturday, April 21. The event will include live music by Louisiana Spice, food from local area restaurants, a grand birthday cake for the city of New Orleans and an impressive Mississippi River fireworks show.
“We are excited to welcome the magnificence of Tall Ships America to New Orleans,” said Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC). “The sight of a tall ship is magical and visiting one on the Mississippi River during Our Tricentennial will be a once in a lifetime experience for everyone.”

Editor’s Note: For gala ticket information, VIP Fast Pass (front of the line) tickets as well as volunteer sign-ups, please visit www.tallshipsNOLA 2018.com. Please see full events schedule and frequently asked questions in separate attachment.

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About Tall Ships® New Orleans 2018:
Tall Ships® New Orleans 2018 is a free event produced by the nonprofit Tricentennial Tall Ships® Committee in coordination with Tall Ship America’s TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® 2018 Gulf Coast Race Series. A nonprofit organization based in Newport, RI, Tall Ships America coordinates gatherings of member vessels to promote their education, history and science curriculums with a mission to encourage character building through sail training, promote sail training to the North American public and
support education under sail. www.tallshipsamerica.org.