3 tall ships to grace Duluth harbor

Last update: March 5, 2008 - 12:55 AM

Duluth will be the backdrop for one of the most stunning sea-bound views this summer when three tall ships enter the harbor in celebration of Minnesota's 150th anniversary celebration.

The Pride of Baltimore II, from its namesake city, and the U.S. Brig. Niagara of Erie, Pa., will stop in Duluth on their 10-city tour of the Great Lakes. These two War of 1812-style reconstructions will be joined by other maritime visitors for a three-day festival of music, entertainment and food with a focus on the maritime history of Duluth and the Great Lakes.

The third ship is the Schooner Madeline, a reconstruction of a Great Lakes vessel that sailed the upper Great Lakes 150 years ago.

The Pride of Baltimore II, with its working cannons, was commissioned in 1988. It succeeded the original Pride of Baltimore, which sank in a white squall off Puerto Rico in 1986, taking her captain and three crew members down with her.

The Niagara was also built in 1988. It has propulsion engines and modern navigation equipment, but without modern amenities. During the summer, Niagara is sailed by a crew of 16 professionals, supplemented by 20 trainees willing to live out of a duffel bag.

The ships will be in the Duluth Harbor Aug. 1-3. Public tours are scheduled. Visit www.decc.org or call 1-218-727-4344 for details.

PAUL WALSH

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