TWO HARBORS, MN — The second day of the Festival of Sail kicked off Friday as thousands flocked to the small North Shore town of Two Harbors to see the tall ships.

If they could stand the long lines, guests had the option of boarding the ships themselves.

“Most of us would never have the opportunity to be on something like this,” said Barbara Watson, a former teacher who came over from Grand Forks.

For Watson and many others, the ships provided an exciting new experience.

“Everyone we spoke to, the volunteers, the guests, were so excited. It’s perfect, I like it,” she said.

As a former teacher, Watson thinks tall ships are a perfect opportunity for people to learn about history.

“It’s the best kind of learning style for all kids, hands-on. Warships are really, really interesting to see because of their size,” she said.

Watson was able to take advantage of ships like the Pride of Baltimore 2, a ship modeled after a freighter of the same name originally built in the 1800s.

“We are a ship that represents the city of Baltimore, Maryland from an economic perspective, as well as a historical perspective,” said Chief Mate Carolyn Corvin.

The first Pride of Baltimore was a freighter.

During the War of 1812 people realized that her speed and maneuverability made her a perfect ship to harass the British merchant fleet.

The ship was able to intercept the British supply ships, loot what they were carrying, and then accelerate before being noticed by the rest of the British fleet.

“Our boat is all about our people and sharing our history with the American people. It’s really cool to be able to connect all the parts of America that are maritime parts of America. There is still a very active maritime fleet in the Great Lakes,” Corvin said.

There are 9 boats at this year’s sailing festival, each with their own story and crew.

Learn more about the festival here.

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