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Excitement for Viewers and Doers!
On Friday, May 16, Harbor Fest moves into full gear. If you love action-oriented watersports, the Water Action Village Expo (WAVE) at Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant is perfect for you (and your children)! The young ones can try out the inflatable surfer beach slide, or endure a round of jousting with inflatable jousting sticks, while you go for a helicopter tour of the harbor. You can also watch kayaking demonstrations, or take in the aerial acrobatic show in the skies above on Saturday and Sunday. A certain highlight will be the Rail Jam, where experienced riders demonstrate amazing jumps and tricks as they’re pulled along a specially built pool on waterboards by ultra-high-speed winches. Rail Jam shows start at 12:00, 1:00, 3:00 and 4:00pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Also on display at Patriots Point will be some of the latest toys for watersports enthusiasts. And, if you don’t fancy getting wet, don’t worry. There’s a climbing wall, treasure hunts, and a children’s village with numerous arts and crafts activities, including model plane building.
Just across the harbor, the stage will be set for a full slate of viewer or doer-friendly activities and exhibitions in and around the Charleston Maritime Center. Kids can participate in treasure hunts, witness pirate parades, or watch other families build a traditional 12-foot Charleston bateau. Attendees at Charleston Harbor Fest can also take sailing lessons, tour traditional tall ships, listen to live music (including sea chanteys), view classic wooden boats, or row a traditional Mosquito Fleet gig. There will also be an Education Village and a Children’s Village, together offering dozens of entertaining and educational activities.
A unique extension of Harbor Fest will take place on Thursday when leaders from the Gullah-Geechee Nation welcome The Amistad on Sullivan’s Island. They’ll also conduct a special ceremony to commemorate their ancestors who arrived in the Lowcountry aboard similar ships. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Fort Moultrie, a sacred libation ceremony will include a drum call by various African dance troupes and speeches. Throughout the weekend, both venues for Charleston Harbor Fest (Patriots Point and the downtown) will be served by shuttle bus and water taxis.
Charleston Harbor Fest offers free general admission to the festival grounds and docks, but to board the ships for tours and ride the shuttle buses between event locations you must buy a wristband. Wristbands are good for all 3 days of the event. The cost is $12 in advance online at charlestonharborfest.org or etix.com and $15 onsite. Children 6-11 years are $5 in advance or onsite. Children 5 years and under are free. The Corwith Cramer ship will be closed on Sunday. For additional details and event and activity schedules, log on to www.charlestonharborfest.org.
Charleston Harbor Fest is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. Proceeds from this festival support educational programs for South Carolina youth aboard the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship. Sponsors of Charleston Harbor Fest include The Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Carolina MasterCraft, NOAA, Clear Channel Radio, The Drive 100.5, The Post & Courier, Bauer International, Step Up Productions, Rising High Café and partners include The Gibbes Museum, Patriots Point, SpiritLine Cruises, the SC Aquarium, Charleston Water Taxi and Charleston Harbor Tours. For additional information, event updates, and tickets visit www.charlestonharborfest.org or call (843) 722-1030.
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ntentItems" href="documents/gallerywalk_000.pdf">Charleston Art Galleries Unite to Offer Exceptional Maritime Works
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (May 7, 2008) — Take a dock party and add four traditional tall ships. Then throw in over 50 pirates, several swashbuckling swordsmen, a few boatbuilding families, some sailing lessons, a classic boat exhibition, two dozen kid friendly activities, a handful of extreme water sports and even a living history exhibit. What do you get? Charleston Harbor Fest, which is set to rock the harbor—both in peninsular Charleston and Mt. Pleasant—beginning May 16.
Formerly known as The Charleston Maritime Festival/Tall Ships Charleston, Charleston Harbor Fest now celebrates the traditional aspects of this region’s maritime heritage as well as the more modern practices of those who love the water. Throughout this fun-filled weekend, a continuous series of events, exhibitions, and hands-on activities will entertain and enlighten at two venues on the harbor.
At the Charleston Maritime Center and surrounding areas, you can tour the tall ships, visit the authentic pirate camp, indulge in the exhibition of classic boats, learn about the Gullah/Geechee heritage of this region, try your hand at family boatbuilding, take a sailing lesson or row a traditional gig from the Mosquito Fleet. There will also be food and music, and dozens more activities for kids, both educational and entertaining.
At Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, you can be either a spectator or a participant at the Water Action Village Expo (WAVE). Take in the exhilarating MasterCraft Rail Jam where experienced riders pull off mesmerizing tricks. Or check out a tantalizing array of water sports equipment for boaters, surfers, and kayakers. You can also sample a helicopter tour of the harbor ($20 per person), climb a rock wall, or build and design a model plane. Don’t miss the aerobatic flight demos Saturday and Sunday over the harbor next to the USS Yorktown (11:15 am and 2:00 pm show times). There will also be a full spectrum of activities for children, including jump castles, face painting, and balloon art.
The two venues will be served by shuttle buses (included with purchase of a wristband) and water taxis ($4 each way or $3 for wristband holders) all three days of the event. Admission to Charleston Harbor Fest is free, but wristbands are required to board the tall ships and shuttle buses and some rides and exhibitions require payment. Wristbands offer a host of discounts at Charleston attractions including USS Yorktown, SpiritLine cruises, the SC Aquarium, The Gibbes Museum, The Charleston Water Taxi, and Charleston Harbor Tours. Wristbands are available before the event online through the event website at www.charlestonharborfest.org for $12 each for 12+ years, $5 each for children 6-11 years with advance purchase. Onsite tickets at the event entrance are $15 for 12+ years and $5 for children 6-11 years. Children five years and under are free.
The public is encouraged to park at Patriots Point and utilize the shuttle buses and water taxis for access to the downtown attractions. Additionally, the City of Charleston garages at the SC Aquarium and the Gaillard Auditorium are offering a daily flat rate of $5. The weekend’s highlights include:
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CHARLESTON, South Carolina (March 20, 2008) — The cloak was lifted this evening revealing the winning artwork and Official Poster for Charleston Harbor Fest 2008. Jason Fletcher was introduced to an enthusiastic crowd at the Art Institute of Charleston as the winner of the Official Poster Competition for Charleston Harbor Fest 2008. Fletcher is a graphic artist at The Post and Courier and no stranger to receiving top honors for his designs. In fact, Fletcher was honored earlier this year as the winner of the Official Poster Competition for the BB&T Charleston Food & Wine Festival.
For this competition, artists were asked to submit original work that reflects Charleston's rich maritime history while incorporating Charleston’s modern harbor and highlights of the annual Harbor Fest event. Fletcher will receive a $1,000 check for his winning design, and his work will be featured in event advertisements, promotions, and on retail items for sale.
“I was going for sort of a classic look, and was inspired by old travel posters from the 20's and 30's – bright colors and big graphic shapes,” said Fletcher. “Since both the festival and Charleston are rooted in history, I wanted to create something that felt nostalgic.”
The judges of the Charleston Harbor Fest poster competition agreed unanimously that Fletcher’s design topped all others, after thorough review of thirty-two entries. Judges of the Charleston Harbor Fest contest included: Ann Long, John Duckworth, Ellen Dressler Moryl, Ann Silliman, Rick Jerue, and Brad Van Liew. The South Carolina Maritime Foundation would like to thank all of the artists that devoted their valuable time and talent to submit an entry in the contest.
Charleston Harbor Fest offers free general admission with opportunities to sail, row and peruse a large collection of classic wooden boats. The Palmetto state’s very own Spirit of South Carolina tall ship will be joined by the Freedom Schooner Amistad, Schooner Virginia and the Corwith Cramer, beautiful tall ships measuring more than 125 feet. Additionally, Harbor Fest’s authentic pirate camp will prompt children and adults alike to bellow their best “Argh!,” while those desiring a true hands-on experience can choose to spend the weekend building their own 12-foot Charleston Bateau as part of the family boat building program. The Education Village at Charleston Harbor Fest will provide interactive experiences for children to learn more about sail training, South Carolina’s maritime history, coastal conservation, and aquatic life. Great food, live music and the chance to walk the docks and admire the classic beauty of traditional boats—grand and petite—will draw a crowd from near and far.
Charleston Harbor Fest is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. Proceeds from this festival support educational programs for South Carolina youth aboard the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship. The foundation’s mission is to offer effective, unique educational opportunities for the students of South Carolina, focusing on history, science, math and literature within the context of our state's coastal region and encouraging personal responsibility, contribution to community and stewardship of environment.
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This winning art was printed on thousands of t-shirts and posters for the Charleston Harbor Fest 2009 event. Stay tuned for more information about the 2010 poster design competition.
South Carolina Organizations Support Charleston Harbor Fest 2009
June 22, 2009 – Charleston Harbor Fest is an event that has exploded over the last three years with audiences onsite ranging from 50,000 to nearly 100,000 expected this year. The event has become a key stimulus for tourism in Charleston during the summer. Two South Carolina organizations that have their own independent missions for economic development in South Carolina are the key financial backers of the Charleston Harbor Fest event in 2009.
“Charleston Harbor Fest 2009 would simply not be happening this year without the South Carolina State Ports Authority and Energy City SC,” said Brad Van Liew, Executive Director of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. “Their support has been instrumental in recruiting the world’s greatest tall ships, plus exciting attractions like the air show and all the education activities for children.”
The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) has a keen interest in welcoming the traditional ships from afar and highlighting the importance of this region’s rich maritime heritage. As the tall ships from around the globe arrive, the sight will recall photos and centuries old paintings, depicting the days when trade ships had square-rigs and the towering masts of wooden ships were as common as container ships are today.
“Charleston Harbor Fest is a community event and we see great value in helping bring these amazing ships to South Carolina,” said Byron Miller of the SCSPA. “The waterfront is an enormous asset to this community and we want to make sure that as an entity serving the state of South Carolina, we remember not just our industrial partners, but the community at large.”
Energy City SC is a relatively new company, founded by Charlestonians Dave Harden, John H. Hofford, and Teddy Turner, with the mission of powering prosperity in South Carolina by creating energy related jobs. The company is undertaking exciting projects like waste to energy, new feedstock ethanol, and offshore wind.
“Charleston Harbor Fest is the perfect event to showcase the charm of this city and South Carolina; sailing ships, sandy beaches, friendly people, and GREAT weather,” said Harden, the company’s Executive Director. “But for South Carolina, that’s only half the story because we believe the Palmetto State has the opportunity to be the next ‘Energy Hub’ in the nation as well.”
Charleston Harbor Fest will run June 26th – 29th with 18 tall ships as the central draw, complimented by extensive attractions on land, by air and at sea. The festival grounds will boast annual favorites including Wooden Boat Display, Family Boat Building, the Education Village, Kids’ Zone with water slides, and many unique exhibitors showcasing their handmade crafts. Don’t miss the Olde Charles Towne camp where pirates will treat young and old to a taste of maritime history.
Charleston Harbor Fest is located at the Charleston Maritime Center and the Union Pier Passenger Terminal. Parking is recommended on Saturday and Sunday at free lots adjacent to the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park with free shuttle buses running directly to the event locations. Parking is also available at a flat daily rate Friday-Sunday at four City of Charleston Garages, including SC Aquarium, Gaillard Auditorium, East Bay/Prioleau Street and the Visitors Center Garage on Meeting Street. Shuttle buses will also run for free Friday – Sunday from the Visitors Center Garage on Meeting Street to the event sites. Tickets to the event are available in advance online at www.charlestonharborfest.org. Tickets are good for all 3 days of the event for $15 in advance and $20 onsite. Children 6-17 years are $5 in advance and $10 onsite. Children 5 years and under are free.
About Energy City SC
Charleston and South Carolina have an incredible mix of talent in the areas of research, innovation, logistics, agriculture, financiers, business transformers and national and international market access. The goal of Energy City SC is to bring these forces together in an 'Energy Hub' that will launch emerging energy technologies to the marketplace. Visit www.energycitysc.com for more information.
About the SC State Ports Authority
The mission of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) is to contribute to the economic development of the State of South Carolina by fostering and stimulating waterborne commerce and shipment of freight. The SCSPA owns and operates marine terminals in Charleston and Georgetown, South Carolina. These port facilities are part of the vital international trade infrastructure of the United States. Known for high productivity, South Carolina ports provide efficient access to global markets for American exporters and a secure supply chain for imported goods demanded by Americans’ high-quality of life. Visit www.port-of-charleston.com for more information.
About the South Carolina Maritime Foundation
Charleston Harbor Fest is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. Proceeds from this festival support educational programs for South Carolina youth aboard the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship. Learn more at www.scmaritime.org.
Russian Tall Ship Expected Today in Charleston with Damage to Mast
June 22, 2009 - The first of many tall ships headed to Charleston is expected to arrive in the harbor today following a rough passage from Bermuda which left the ship missing the top portion of one mast. The four-masted ship, measuring 376 feet overall, is the second largest tall ship in the world and visiting Charleston for the first time. According to email reports from the captain, the ship encountered a severe thunderstorm during the sail from Bermuda to Charleston which snapped the ship’s foremast.
“The captain said that they were under a lot of power with heavy winds at the time,” said Brad Van Liew, Executive Director of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. “The top of the lower foremast failed causing the topmast to break off with its three yards attached. He said this also caused the backstays to break and the ship is coming in as quickly as possible. Thankfully, no one is hurt and the ship expects to make swift repairs.”
The ship plans to enter the harbor and meet a pilot boat at the sea buoy. They will then transit to the south end of the commercial portion of the Union Pier Terminal operated by the SC State Ports Authority. This is a location which is suitable for the 175 ton crane which is needed to dismantle the broken mast and rigging. The first order of business will be clearing U.S. Customs as there are more than 300 cadets and crew aboard the ship.
Charleston Harbor Fest is scheduled to take place in the heart of historic Charleston June 26 – 29. This annual event is known to attract thousands of national and international visitors. However, Harbor Fest 2009 will certainly host a marked year as the festival has confirmed eighteen tall ships from all over the world, the festival’s largest fleet to date.
The tall ships are part of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 (TSAC), an exhilarating trans-Atlantic regatta that started in Vigo, Spain and travels to 5 ports before the finish in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Charleston is just one of two official US ports-of-call for TSAC. The other port is Boston where the tall ships will be celebrated after leaving Charleston Harbor Fest at the end of this month.
“Charleston is rich in maritime history, and because we have successfully hosted these events in the past, it made sense for the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 (TSAC) to choose our historic city as a port-of-call. Charleston Harbor fest will offer the public a truly rare opportunity to tour and celebrate these incredible vessels”, commented Van Liew.
One of this year’s major attractions will be the Russian Kruzenshtern. At 376-feet, the four-masted barque is the second-largest sailing training ship in the world. The Kruzenshtern will be berthed at the Union Pier Passenger Terminal along with the other majestic Class A ships (the biggest in overall length). Several other tall ships will also be docked at the Charleston Maritime Center.
Not only will Charleston Harbor Fest offer a rare opportunity to tour an amazing fleet of tall ships, but the festival will also feature a unique NASA Exploration Experience, aerobatic flight demos, parachute teams and C-17 fly-bys.
T he Schooner Virginia has opened up the ship for paid passengers during The Parade of Sail on Monday, June 29th. This is an exceptional opportunity to not only sail on a tall ship, but to be part of the show. The parade is a spectacular site and is the only chance here in Charleston to see the entire fleet under sail together. Click here for details on purchasing tickets.
The Air Show at Charleston Harbor Fest 2009 is as daring and breathtaking as the inaugural show of 2008, with the addition of several new elements. Shows take place in the morning and afternoon on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2009. Air shows run approximately one hour. Times may vary. The Para-Commandos will perform precision freefall parachute demonstrations. The team jumps from an altitude of 12,500 feet above the ground, freefalling approximately 2 miles and reaching speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour wearing smoke canisters on their feet to make them visible to the public below. The Para-Commandos are all active duty military or Department of Defense civilians assigned to the Special Operations Command. They volunteer to serve as Para-Commandos as an additional duty, spending their weekends honing their skills and performing for the US public. The Parachute Team will land in Ansonborough Field adjacent to the Maritime Center.
Don’t miss this adventure in the sky with professional stunt pilots Michael Mancuso and Christine “CC” Gerner. They are two of the aviation world’s top aerobatic solo acts. Together, they’re among the world’s premier aerobatic formation teams. This is an action-packed show filled with thrills and excitement, and breathtaking maneuvers flying high (and low) over Charleston Harbor. See more details on the Air Show page of this site.
This year’s Charleston Harbor Fest is shaping up to be the most ambitious and memorable maritime event in the city’s history. The event will open June 26, with access to docks and tours of tall ships from around the globe, and will close June 29th when a breath-taking Parade of Sail exits the Charleston harbor. One of the most impressive additions to this year’s Harbor Fest is Russia’s Kruzenshtern, the second largest sail training tall ship in the world. The boat measures 375 feet long and boasts a traditional four masted barque rig. It is a breath-taking sight when under full sail. The beloved Kruzenshtern’s distinctive black and white sides make her easy to recognize. This pattern is common on ships that once traded with the East, since the design imitates gunports and scares away pirates.
Kruzenshtern will join the rest of the tall ship fleet in Vigo, Spain, for the start of the 7,000 nautical mile ocean odyssey, following the traditional trading route of sailing ships over the centuries and taking full advantage of prevailing winds, which should provide spectacular racing conditions. The Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge will involve some 30 – 50 ships from Europe, the USA, Canada and Latin America. The seven ports that form the Challenge will offer a chance for the public to view these spectacular ships, while anyone with a sense of adventure and some time on their hands can get on board to race across the Atlantic in a once in a lifetime experience.
The race starts in Vigo, Spain on April 30th, and will make three stops before arriving in Charleston, SC. The race then winds its way north and ends in Halifax, Canada July 16th before the final Atlantic crossing eastwards back to Belfast, UK on August 13.
Tickets will be required to gain access to the Charleston area docks and to board the ships are now available for purchase. First-rate VIP packages are also being offered. To buy tickets visit the Ticket page of this website.
Charleston Harbor Fest is not just about sailing ships, pirates and the lore of the sea. We like to say “if it is on, in, above or near the harbor, it is part of this grand celebration.” Charleston Harbor Fest has just confirmed that NASA’s Exploration Experience will be onsite at the event, along with a host of other modern attractions sure to entertain the whole family. Additionally a NASA astronaut will be onsite to visit with those young and old. NASA’s Exploration Experience is an interactive traveling exhibit that inspires visitors as they embark on a simulated journey into space.
The journey begins with a simulated visit to the moon, the earliest destination in America’s next great era of exploration. Interactive control panels and activity stations, immersive video imagery, and audio effects will plunge visitors into a not-too-distant future on the moon’s surface. The exhibit demonstrates what it will be like to live and work on other worlds and explore the benefits these expeditions might reap here on Earth. Come touch a moon rock! For more information visit: http://outreach.msfc.nasa.gov NASA Exploration Experience (pdf)
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This year’s Charleston Harbor Fest is shaping up to be the most ambitious and memorable maritime event in the city’s history. The event will open June 26, with access to docks and tours of tall ships from around the globe, and will close June 29th when a breath-taking Parade of Sail exits the Charleston harbor. More than twelve ships, ranging in size from 56 to 295 feet have already been confirmed. Many more are expected. These vessels, hailing from France, England, Germany, The Netherlands, Bermuda, and the United States, will dock at the Charleston Maritime Center and the Union Pier Passenger Terminal. The event’s focus is on the water, but boasts attractions on land, by air and at sea.
Bus shuttles will also be available for convenient transport during the festival.
Charleston Harbor Fest is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. Proceeds from Charleston Harbor Fest support the Spirit of South Carolina, a tall ship offering effective, unique educational opportunities for the students of South Carolina. These programs focus on the history, math, science and literature of South Carolina's water resources, and encourage personal responsibility, contribution to community and stewardship of the environment.
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Leave all your preconceived notions of summer camp behind. The ultimate adventure awaits teens this summer on three outrageous opportunities to sail aboard the Spirit of South Carolina. A true cultural exchange will take students from Bermuda and the U.S. on a journey with the entire majestic fleet of Tall Ships from Bermuda to Charleston as part of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 series. The next voyage takes students from Charleston to the historic port of Mystic, Connecticut. Finally a third group of students will have the incredible opportunity to cruise aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, exploring the coast of Maine. Learn more about these programs at www.spiritoceanadventure.com and stay tuned for further opportunities for adult passages.
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- Charleston Harbor Fest—Excitement for Viewers and Doers
- Buccaneers and Boaters Swarm for Charleston Harbor Fest
- Charleston Harbor Fest Unveils Winning Poster Design for 2008 Event
- Khania Curtis of New York is the official poster design competition winner for 2009
- South Carolina Organizations Support Charleston Harbor Fest 2009
- Russian Tall Ship Expected Today in Charleston with Damage to Mast
- Charleston Announces the first ever Harborpalooza!
- Schooner Virginia to Offer Sailing Berths During Parade of Sail
- Parachute Team and Aerobatic Pilots to Make for Excitement in the Air
- Kruzenshtern Charting a Course Towards Charleston
- NASA’s Exploration Experience to be at Charleston Harbor Fest 2009
- Charleston Eagerly Awaits Arrival of Tall Ships
- Spirit of South Carolina Offers Teens Incredible Summer Voyages Before and After Charleston Harbor Fest
Excitement for Viewers and Doers
Charleston Harbor will be awash with activity this weekend, May 16-18, when Charleston Harbor Fest takes place. From pirates on parade at Ansonborough Field to the Rail Jam demonstrations at Patriots Point, the ongoing action on both sides of the harbor will be exciting as well as spectacular. And Harbor Fest isn’t just for viewers. Anyone so inclined can join in. The action begins on Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. with a parade of sail. Three traditional tall ships (The Spirit of South Carolina, The Schooner Virginia and the Corwith Cramer) will greet The Amistad near Sullivan’s Island and accompany it to the Maritime Center with a close visit sailing past Waterfront Park.On Friday, May 16, Harbor Fest moves into full gear. If you love action-oriented watersports, the Water Action Village Expo (WAVE) at Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant is perfect for you (and your children)! The young ones can try out the inflatable surfer beach slide, or endure a round of jousting with inflatable jousting sticks, while you go for a helicopter tour of the harbor. You can also watch kayaking demonstrations, or take in the aerial acrobatic show in the skies above on Saturday and Sunday. A certain highlight will be the Rail Jam, where experienced riders demonstrate amazing jumps and tricks as they’re pulled along a specially built pool on waterboards by ultra-high-speed winches. Rail Jam shows start at 12:00, 1:00, 3:00 and 4:00pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Also on display at Patriots Point will be some of the latest toys for watersports enthusiasts. And, if you don’t fancy getting wet, don’t worry. There’s a climbing wall, treasure hunts, and a children’s village with numerous arts and crafts activities, including model plane building.
Just across the harbor, the stage will be set for a full slate of viewer or doer-friendly activities and exhibitions in and around the Charleston Maritime Center. Kids can participate in treasure hunts, witness pirate parades, or watch other families build a traditional 12-foot Charleston bateau. Attendees at Charleston Harbor Fest can also take sailing lessons, tour traditional tall ships, listen to live music (including sea chanteys), view classic wooden boats, or row a traditional Mosquito Fleet gig. There will also be an Education Village and a Children’s Village, together offering dozens of entertaining and educational activities.
A unique extension of Harbor Fest will take place on Thursday when leaders from the Gullah-Geechee Nation welcome The Amistad on Sullivan’s Island. They’ll also conduct a special ceremony to commemorate their ancestors who arrived in the Lowcountry aboard similar ships. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Fort Moultrie, a sacred libation ceremony will include a drum call by various African dance troupes and speeches. Throughout the weekend, both venues for Charleston Harbor Fest (Patriots Point and the downtown) will be served by shuttle bus and water taxis.
Charleston Harbor Fest offers free general admission to the festival grounds and docks, but to board the ships for tours and ride the shuttle buses between event locations you must buy a wristband. Wristbands are good for all 3 days of the event. The cost is $12 in advance online at charlestonharborfest.org or etix.com and $15 onsite. Children 6-11 years are $5 in advance or onsite. Children 5 years and under are free. The Corwith Cramer ship will be closed on Sunday. For additional details and event and activity schedules, log on to www.charlestonharborfest.org.
Charleston Harbor Fest is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. Proceeds from this festival support educational programs for South Carolina youth aboard the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship. Sponsors of Charleston Harbor Fest include The Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Carolina MasterCraft, NOAA, Clear Channel Radio, The Drive 100.5, The Post & Courier, Bauer International, Step Up Productions, Rising High Café and partners include The Gibbes Museum, Patriots Point, SpiritLine Cruises, the SC Aquarium, Charleston Water Taxi and Charleston Harbor Tours. For additional information, event updates, and tickets visit www.charlestonharborfest.org or call (843) 722-1030.
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ntentItems" href="documents/gallerywalk_000.pdf">Charleston Art Galleries Unite to Offer Exceptional Maritime Works
Buccaneers and Boaters Swarm for Charleston Harbor Fest
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (May 7, 2008) — Take a dock party and add four traditional tall ships. Then throw in over 50 pirates, several swashbuckling swordsmen, a few boatbuilding families, some sailing lessons, a classic boat exhibition, two dozen kid friendly activities, a handful of extreme water sports and even a living history exhibit. What do you get? Charleston Harbor Fest, which is set to rock the harbor—both in peninsular Charleston and Mt. Pleasant—beginning May 16.
Formerly known as The Charleston Maritime Festival/Tall Ships Charleston, Charleston Harbor Fest now celebrates the traditional aspects of this region’s maritime heritage as well as the more modern practices of those who love the water. Throughout this fun-filled weekend, a continuous series of events, exhibitions, and hands-on activities will entertain and enlighten at two venues on the harbor.
At the Charleston Maritime Center and surrounding areas, you can tour the tall ships, visit the authentic pirate camp, indulge in the exhibition of classic boats, learn about the Gullah/Geechee heritage of this region, try your hand at family boatbuilding, take a sailing lesson or row a traditional gig from the Mosquito Fleet. There will also be food and music, and dozens more activities for kids, both educational and entertaining.
At Patriots Point in Mt. Pleasant, you can be either a spectator or a participant at the Water Action Village Expo (WAVE). Take in the exhilarating MasterCraft Rail Jam where experienced riders pull off mesmerizing tricks. Or check out a tantalizing array of water sports equipment for boaters, surfers, and kayakers. You can also sample a helicopter tour of the harbor ($20 per person), climb a rock wall, or build and design a model plane. Don’t miss the aerobatic flight demos Saturday and Sunday over the harbor next to the USS Yorktown (11:15 am and 2:00 pm show times). There will also be a full spectrum of activities for children, including jump castles, face painting, and balloon art.
The two venues will be served by shuttle buses (included with purchase of a wristband) and water taxis ($4 each way or $3 for wristband holders) all three days of the event. Admission to Charleston Harbor Fest is free, but wristbands are required to board the tall ships and shuttle buses and some rides and exhibitions require payment. Wristbands offer a host of discounts at Charleston attractions including USS Yorktown, SpiritLine cruises, the SC Aquarium, The Gibbes Museum, The Charleston Water Taxi, and Charleston Harbor Tours. Wristbands are available before the event online through the event website at www.charlestonharborfest.org for $12 each for 12+ years, $5 each for children 6-11 years with advance purchase. Onsite tickets at the event entrance are $15 for 12+ years and $5 for children 6-11 years. Children five years and under are free.
The public is encouraged to park at Patriots Point and utilize the shuttle buses and water taxis for access to the downtown attractions. Additionally, the City of Charleston garages at the SC Aquarium and the Gaillard Auditorium are offering a daily flat rate of $5. The weekend’s highlights include:
- Festival grounds open Friday-Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm with free general admission
- Four traditional tall ships berthed at the Charleston Maritime Center, including The Spirit of South Carolina (141 feet), The Amistad (129 feet), The Schooner Virginia (122 Feet) and the Corwith Cramer (134 feet). (Friday-Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; boarding passes required – Corwith Cramer closed on Sunday)
- A band of marauding buccaneers will celebrate the 290th anniversary of Blackbeard the pirate’s siege of Charleston by marching to the Powder Magazine building (Cumberland and Church Streets) to overpower the guards and free fellow pirates. (9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 17)
- The Harbor Fest Treasure Quest—a treasure hunt for teams of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade South Carolina students who will use their knowledge of history, math, science, and ship terminology to puzzle through clues and find the treasure. The winning team receives a free educational sail aboard the Spirit of South Carolina.
- Pirate Costume Contest and Parade, Friday and Saturday at 3:00 pm. and 1:00 pm on Sunday. Come dressed as a pirate and give your best “ARRRRGH!” All ages welcome!
- Rail Jam Presented by MasterCraft and The Drive 100.5—witness the exhilarating action as riders are towed by high-speed winches across the water and onto launching rails. (shows daily at 12:00, 1:00, 3:00, and 4:00 pm produced by Step Up Productions)
- Aerobatic Flight Show—watch the high-flying daredevils loop, spin and swirl (11:15 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Sat. and Sun. with best viewing from the USS Yorktown or Patriots Point festival grounds)
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Charleston Harbor Fest Unveils Winning Poster Design for 2008 Event
CHARLESTON, South Carolina (March 20, 2008) — The cloak was lifted this evening revealing the winning artwork and Official Poster for Charleston Harbor Fest 2008. Jason Fletcher was introduced to an enthusiastic crowd at the Art Institute of Charleston as the winner of the Official Poster Competition for Charleston Harbor Fest 2008. Fletcher is a graphic artist at The Post and Courier and no stranger to receiving top honors for his designs. In fact, Fletcher was honored earlier this year as the winner of the Official Poster Competition for the BB&T Charleston Food & Wine Festival.
For this competition, artists were asked to submit original work that reflects Charleston's rich maritime history while incorporating Charleston’s modern harbor and highlights of the annual Harbor Fest event. Fletcher will receive a $1,000 check for his winning design, and his work will be featured in event advertisements, promotions, and on retail items for sale.
“I was going for sort of a classic look, and was inspired by old travel posters from the 20's and 30's – bright colors and big graphic shapes,” said Fletcher. “Since both the festival and Charleston are rooted in history, I wanted to create something that felt nostalgic.”
The judges of the Charleston Harbor Fest poster competition agreed unanimously that Fletcher’s design topped all others, after thorough review of thirty-two entries. Judges of the Charleston Harbor Fest contest included: Ann Long, John Duckworth, Ellen Dressler Moryl, Ann Silliman, Rick Jerue, and Brad Van Liew. The South Carolina Maritime Foundation would like to thank all of the artists that devoted their valuable time and talent to submit an entry in the contest.
Charleston Harbor Fest offers free general admission with opportunities to sail, row and peruse a large collection of classic wooden boats. The Palmetto state’s very own Spirit of South Carolina tall ship will be joined by the Freedom Schooner Amistad, Schooner Virginia and the Corwith Cramer, beautiful tall ships measuring more than 125 feet. Additionally, Harbor Fest’s authentic pirate camp will prompt children and adults alike to bellow their best “Argh!,” while those desiring a true hands-on experience can choose to spend the weekend building their own 12-foot Charleston Bateau as part of the family boat building program. The Education Village at Charleston Harbor Fest will provide interactive experiences for children to learn more about sail training, South Carolina’s maritime history, coastal conservation, and aquatic life. Great food, live music and the chance to walk the docks and admire the classic beauty of traditional boats—grand and petite—will draw a crowd from near and far.
Charleston Harbor Fest is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. Proceeds from this festival support educational programs for South Carolina youth aboard the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship. The foundation’s mission is to offer effective, unique educational opportunities for the students of South Carolina, focusing on history, science, math and literature within the context of our state's coastal region and encouraging personal responsibility, contribution to community and stewardship of environment.
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Khania Curtis of New York is the official poster design competition winner for Charleston Harbor Fest 2009.
This winning art was printed on thousands of t-shirts and posters for the Charleston Harbor Fest 2009 event. Stay tuned for more information about the 2010 poster design competition.
South Carolina Organizations Support Charleston Harbor Fest 2009
SC State Ports Authority and Energy City SC Are Onboard to Bring you the Tall Ships
June 22, 2009 – Charleston Harbor Fest is an event that has exploded over the last three years with audiences onsite ranging from 50,000 to nearly 100,000 expected this year. The event has become a key stimulus for tourism in Charleston during the summer. Two South Carolina organizations that have their own independent missions for economic development in South Carolina are the key financial backers of the Charleston Harbor Fest event in 2009.
“Charleston Harbor Fest 2009 would simply not be happening this year without the South Carolina State Ports Authority and Energy City SC,” said Brad Van Liew, Executive Director of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. “Their support has been instrumental in recruiting the world’s greatest tall ships, plus exciting attractions like the air show and all the education activities for children.”
The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) has a keen interest in welcoming the traditional ships from afar and highlighting the importance of this region’s rich maritime heritage. As the tall ships from around the globe arrive, the sight will recall photos and centuries old paintings, depicting the days when trade ships had square-rigs and the towering masts of wooden ships were as common as container ships are today.
“Charleston Harbor Fest is a community event and we see great value in helping bring these amazing ships to South Carolina,” said Byron Miller of the SCSPA. “The waterfront is an enormous asset to this community and we want to make sure that as an entity serving the state of South Carolina, we remember not just our industrial partners, but the community at large.”
Energy City SC is a relatively new company, founded by Charlestonians Dave Harden, John H. Hofford, and Teddy Turner, with the mission of powering prosperity in South Carolina by creating energy related jobs. The company is undertaking exciting projects like waste to energy, new feedstock ethanol, and offshore wind.
“Charleston Harbor Fest is the perfect event to showcase the charm of this city and South Carolina; sailing ships, sandy beaches, friendly people, and GREAT weather,” said Harden, the company’s Executive Director. “But for South Carolina, that’s only half the story because we believe the Palmetto State has the opportunity to be the next ‘Energy Hub’ in the nation as well.”
Charleston Harbor Fest will run June 26th – 29th with 18 tall ships as the central draw, complimented by extensive attractions on land, by air and at sea. The festival grounds will boast annual favorites including Wooden Boat Display, Family Boat Building, the Education Village, Kids’ Zone with water slides, and many unique exhibitors showcasing their handmade crafts. Don’t miss the Olde Charles Towne camp where pirates will treat young and old to a taste of maritime history.
Charleston Harbor Fest is located at the Charleston Maritime Center and the Union Pier Passenger Terminal. Parking is recommended on Saturday and Sunday at free lots adjacent to the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park with free shuttle buses running directly to the event locations. Parking is also available at a flat daily rate Friday-Sunday at four City of Charleston Garages, including SC Aquarium, Gaillard Auditorium, East Bay/Prioleau Street and the Visitors Center Garage on Meeting Street. Shuttle buses will also run for free Friday – Sunday from the Visitors Center Garage on Meeting Street to the event sites. Tickets to the event are available in advance online at www.charlestonharborfest.org. Tickets are good for all 3 days of the event for $15 in advance and $20 onsite. Children 6-17 years are $5 in advance and $10 onsite. Children 5 years and under are free.
About Energy City SC
Charleston and South Carolina have an incredible mix of talent in the areas of research, innovation, logistics, agriculture, financiers, business transformers and national and international market access. The goal of Energy City SC is to bring these forces together in an 'Energy Hub' that will launch emerging energy technologies to the marketplace. Visit www.energycitysc.com for more information.
About the SC State Ports Authority
The mission of the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) is to contribute to the economic development of the State of South Carolina by fostering and stimulating waterborne commerce and shipment of freight. The SCSPA owns and operates marine terminals in Charleston and Georgetown, South Carolina. These port facilities are part of the vital international trade infrastructure of the United States. Known for high productivity, South Carolina ports provide efficient access to global markets for American exporters and a secure supply chain for imported goods demanded by Americans’ high-quality of life. Visit www.port-of-charleston.com for more information.
About the South Carolina Maritime Foundation
Charleston Harbor Fest is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. Proceeds from this festival support educational programs for South Carolina youth aboard the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship. Learn more at www.scmaritime.org.
Russian Tall Ship Expected Today in Charleston with Damage to Mast
Kruzenshtern Tall Ship to Make Repairs in Preparation for Charleston Harbor Fest
June 22, 2009 - The first of many tall ships headed to Charleston is expected to arrive in the harbor today following a rough passage from Bermuda which left the ship missing the top portion of one mast. The four-masted ship, measuring 376 feet overall, is the second largest tall ship in the world and visiting Charleston for the first time. According to email reports from the captain, the ship encountered a severe thunderstorm during the sail from Bermuda to Charleston which snapped the ship’s foremast.
“The captain said that they were under a lot of power with heavy winds at the time,” said Brad Van Liew, Executive Director of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. “The top of the lower foremast failed causing the topmast to break off with its three yards attached. He said this also caused the backstays to break and the ship is coming in as quickly as possible. Thankfully, no one is hurt and the ship expects to make swift repairs.”
The ship plans to enter the harbor and meet a pilot boat at the sea buoy. They will then transit to the south end of the commercial portion of the Union Pier Terminal operated by the SC State Ports Authority. This is a location which is suitable for the 175 ton crane which is needed to dismantle the broken mast and rigging. The first order of business will be clearing U.S. Customs as there are more than 300 cadets and crew aboard the ship.
Charleston Harbor Fest is scheduled to take place in the heart of historic Charleston June 26 – 29. This annual event is known to attract thousands of national and international visitors. However, Harbor Fest 2009 will certainly host a marked year as the festival has confirmed eighteen tall ships from all over the world, the festival’s largest fleet to date.
The tall ships are part of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 (TSAC), an exhilarating trans-Atlantic regatta that started in Vigo, Spain and travels to 5 ports before the finish in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Charleston is just one of two official US ports-of-call for TSAC. The other port is Boston where the tall ships will be celebrated after leaving Charleston Harbor Fest at the end of this month.
“Charleston is rich in maritime history, and because we have successfully hosted these events in the past, it made sense for the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 (TSAC) to choose our historic city as a port-of-call. Charleston Harbor fest will offer the public a truly rare opportunity to tour and celebrate these incredible vessels”, commented Van Liew.
One of this year’s major attractions will be the Russian Kruzenshtern. At 376-feet, the four-masted barque is the second-largest sailing training ship in the world. The Kruzenshtern will be berthed at the Union Pier Passenger Terminal along with the other majestic Class A ships (the biggest in overall length). Several other tall ships will also be docked at the Charleston Maritime Center.
Not only will Charleston Harbor Fest offer a rare opportunity to tour an amazing fleet of tall ships, but the festival will also feature a unique NASA Exploration Experience, aerobatic flight demos, parachute teams and C-17 fly-bys.
Schooner Virginia to Offer Sailing Berths During Parade of Sail
T he Schooner Virginia has opened up the ship for paid passengers during The Parade of Sail on Monday, June 29th. This is an exceptional opportunity to not only sail on a tall ship, but to be part of the show. The parade is a spectacular site and is the only chance here in Charleston to see the entire fleet under sail together. Click here for details on purchasing tickets.
Parachute Team and Aerobatic Pilots to Make for Excitement in the Air
The Air Show at Charleston Harbor Fest 2009 is as daring and breathtaking as the inaugural show of 2008, with the addition of several new elements. Shows take place in the morning and afternoon on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2009. Air shows run approximately one hour. Times may vary. The Para-Commandos will perform precision freefall parachute demonstrations. The team jumps from an altitude of 12,500 feet above the ground, freefalling approximately 2 miles and reaching speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour wearing smoke canisters on their feet to make them visible to the public below. The Para-Commandos are all active duty military or Department of Defense civilians assigned to the Special Operations Command. They volunteer to serve as Para-Commandos as an additional duty, spending their weekends honing their skills and performing for the US public. The Parachute Team will land in Ansonborough Field adjacent to the Maritime Center.
Don’t miss this adventure in the sky with professional stunt pilots Michael Mancuso and Christine “CC” Gerner. They are two of the aviation world’s top aerobatic solo acts. Together, they’re among the world’s premier aerobatic formation teams. This is an action-packed show filled with thrills and excitement, and breathtaking maneuvers flying high (and low) over Charleston Harbor. See more details on the Air Show page of this site.
Second Largest Tall Ships in the World Charting a Course Towards Charleston, SC
This year’s Charleston Harbor Fest is shaping up to be the most ambitious and memorable maritime event in the city’s history. The event will open June 26, with access to docks and tours of tall ships from around the globe, and will close June 29th when a breath-taking Parade of Sail exits the Charleston harbor. One of the most impressive additions to this year’s Harbor Fest is Russia’s Kruzenshtern, the second largest sail training tall ship in the world. The boat measures 375 feet long and boasts a traditional four masted barque rig. It is a breath-taking sight when under full sail. The beloved Kruzenshtern’s distinctive black and white sides make her easy to recognize. This pattern is common on ships that once traded with the East, since the design imitates gunports and scares away pirates.
Kruzenshtern will join the rest of the tall ship fleet in Vigo, Spain, for the start of the 7,000 nautical mile ocean odyssey, following the traditional trading route of sailing ships over the centuries and taking full advantage of prevailing winds, which should provide spectacular racing conditions. The Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge will involve some 30 – 50 ships from Europe, the USA, Canada and Latin America. The seven ports that form the Challenge will offer a chance for the public to view these spectacular ships, while anyone with a sense of adventure and some time on their hands can get on board to race across the Atlantic in a once in a lifetime experience.
The race starts in Vigo, Spain on April 30th, and will make three stops before arriving in Charleston, SC. The race then winds its way north and ends in Halifax, Canada July 16th before the final Atlantic crossing eastwards back to Belfast, UK on August 13.
Tickets will be required to gain access to the Charleston area docks and to board the ships are now available for purchase. First-rate VIP packages are also being offered. To buy tickets visit the Ticket page of this website.
NASA’s Exploration Experience to be at Charleston Harbor Fest 2009
Charleston Harbor Fest is not just about sailing ships, pirates and the lore of the sea. We like to say “if it is on, in, above or near the harbor, it is part of this grand celebration.” Charleston Harbor Fest has just confirmed that NASA’s Exploration Experience will be onsite at the event, along with a host of other modern attractions sure to entertain the whole family. Additionally a NASA astronaut will be onsite to visit with those young and old. NASA’s Exploration Experience is an interactive traveling exhibit that inspires visitors as they embark on a simulated journey into space.
The journey begins with a simulated visit to the moon, the earliest destination in America’s next great era of exploration. Interactive control panels and activity stations, immersive video imagery, and audio effects will plunge visitors into a not-too-distant future on the moon’s surface. The exhibit demonstrates what it will be like to live and work on other worlds and explore the benefits these expeditions might reap here on Earth. Come touch a moon rock! For more information visit: http://outreach.msfc.nasa.gov NASA Exploration Experience (pdf)
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Charleston Eagerly Awaits Arrival of Tall Ships
This year’s Charleston Harbor Fest is shaping up to be the most ambitious and memorable maritime event in the city’s history. The event will open June 26, with access to docks and tours of tall ships from around the globe, and will close June 29th when a breath-taking Parade of Sail exits the Charleston harbor. More than twelve ships, ranging in size from 56 to 295 feet have already been confirmed. Many more are expected. These vessels, hailing from France, England, Germany, The Netherlands, Bermuda, and the United States, will dock at the Charleston Maritime Center and the Union Pier Passenger Terminal. The event’s focus is on the water, but boasts attractions on land, by air and at sea.
- Land: wooden boat display, living history exhibit, pirates, family boat building, interactive education village and conservation displays
- Air: Aerobatic flight demos, helicopter rides, other exciting news to be announced soon.
- Eagle will be on display. It is the only active and operational commissioned sailing vessel in the U.S. maritime services. Captain Chris Sinnet is a South Carolina native and is the Eagle’s current Commanding Officer of this vessel that serves as a seagoing classroom for approximately 175 cadets and instructors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Bus shuttles will also be available for convenient transport during the festival.
Charleston Harbor Fest is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation. Proceeds from Charleston Harbor Fest support the Spirit of South Carolina, a tall ship offering effective, unique educational opportunities for the students of South Carolina. These programs focus on the history, math, science and literature of South Carolina's water resources, and encourage personal responsibility, contribution to community and stewardship of the environment.
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Spirit of South Carolina Offers Teens Incredible Summer Voyages Before and After Charleston Harbor Fest
Leave all your preconceived notions of summer camp behind. The ultimate adventure awaits teens this summer on three outrageous opportunities to sail aboard the Spirit of South Carolina. A true cultural exchange will take students from Bermuda and the U.S. on a journey with the entire majestic fleet of Tall Ships from Bermuda to Charleston as part of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 series. The next voyage takes students from Charleston to the historic port of Mystic, Connecticut. Finally a third group of students will have the incredible opportunity to cruise aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, exploring the coast of Maine. Learn more about these programs at www.spiritoceanadventure.com and stay tuned for further opportunities for adult passages.
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