Visit Tall Ships from Around the World: Tickets on Sale for July Event

NOTE: A social media release, which includes photos, video and audio, is available at www.gov.ns.ca/news/smr/20090402001WDC.asp .

Tickets are now available for Nova Scotia's largest International summer event.

Tall Ships Nova Scotia 2009 tickets will give visitors access to ships from the Netherlands, France, Brazil, Uruguay, Barbados, the United Kingdom, Bermuda, Germany, and other countries this July in Halifax.

Day passes range from $10 for a single ticket to $20 for a family pass. Weekend passes, senior and group rates are also available.

"The team has worked diligently to ensure that Tall Ships is an accessible event for everyone," said Colin MacLean, Waterfront Development Corporation Ltd. president and CEO. "The boardwalk and the spectacular views are open and free to everyone. Tickets give visitors the opportunity to experience these majestic ships first-hand."

Through a partnership with Ticket Atlantic, ticket purchases have been streamlined. Ships can be boarded July 17 to 19. Advance ticket holders will receive priority at event information kiosks on the waterfront, where tickets will be exchanged for bracelets to board ships.

Leanne Strathdee, event director, emphasized the international aspect of the festivities.

"The cultural exchange between the crew and the community at large is a tremendous feature of the Tall Ships gatherings," said Ms. Strathdee. "More than 2,000 international crew are expected to sail into Halifax this July and a crew cultural program has been developed. Being on the Halifax waterfront is a great way for people to welcome them."

This summer's event marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Navy dockyard in Halifax and kicks off the Canadian Navy's 2010 Centennial celebration. The celebration is designed to strengthen Canadians' appreciation of the Navy and to promote its role within the Canadian Forces.

Two event characters were introduced at today's announcement. Rivals Captain John Loyal and Captain Roger Mack will be a crowd-pleasing part of Tall Ships Nova Scotia 2009. Captain Loyal will have his hands full trying to apprehend the rogue pirate Captain Mack before the tall ships arrive. Visitors can get in on the action this July.

Tickets are available at www.tallshipsnovascotia.com, the Ticket Atlantic box office and at participating Atlantic Superstore outlets.

Volunteer opportunities on the Halifax waterfront, including marine security, are also available. Call the Tall Ships office at 902-405-7700 or visit www.tallshipsnovascotia.com/pages/volunteers.aspx .

The ships will sail out of Halifax in the magnificent Parade of Sails on July 20. Some will be in Lunenburg, and others in Port Hawkesbury and Louisbourg on July 22-23. Sydney, July 25-26, Pictou, July 28-29, and Pugwash, July 31-Aug. 1, will also host ships.