OXNARD, CA. - Tall ships are coming to Channel Islands Harbor Jun. 24-26. A total of six tall ships will weigh anchor at the harbor as part of the American Sail Training Association’s Tall Ships Challenge race series. These majestic ships will be open for visitors to explore Jun. 24-26.

While at the Channel Islands Harbor, people of all ages can climb aboard the decks and relive the ships’ colorful history through docent stories. Battle re-enactment sails, a pirate camp, Civil War encampment, tours and educational programs are also part of the festivities. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment as well as arts & crafts and food and beverage from the many vendors.

Some ships visitors can explore include the Californian, the Official Tall Ship Ambassador for the state of California. Built in 1984, it is a replica of the speedy 1847 Revenue Cutter, the C.W. Lawrence. The ship is 145 feet long, 101 feet tall and with all nine sails flying, carries 7,000 square feet of sail.

The Spirit of Dana Point is a traditionally built replica of a 1770s privateer employed during the American Revolution. The ship is classified as a 118-foot topsail schooner, with a sparred length of 118 feet and 5,000 square feet of sail.

Cash ticket sales will be available at the festival. Credit card purchases will be available online at www.tallshipschannelislands.com and through Ticketmaster. For more information on the Tall Ships Challenge, visit the Channel Islands Harbor website at www.channelislandsharbor.org.

Channel Islands Harbor serves as a center of recreation, boating, shopping and watersports activities. The harbor is home to three yacht clubs and nine full-service marinas that provide berths for 2,150 boats. It also hosts the Ventura County Maritime Museum. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, the museum is a cultural center dedicated to the interpretation of maritime history through interactive exhibits and educational outreach. For more information on the Channel Islands Harbor, visit the website at www.channelislandsharbor.org.