Dana Point Maritime Festival Returns To Harbor In September

DANA POINT, CA—It’s almost that time of year again when tall ships grace the Dana Point Harbor with their majestic presence and the booming sounds of cannons echo through the area.

The Maritime Festival will take place from September 10-12.

The annual event, which missed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, will once again be open to the public. The Ocean Institute, which has been providing educational maritime experiences since the 1970s, is presenting this time-honored tradition.

Formerly called the Tall Ships Festival, the institute changed the name this year to fully encompass the scope of the event, Dan Goldbacher, institute director of maritime programs and campus facilities tells Patch.

This is the 37th year the institute has hosted the event.

The Ocean Institute “is thrilled to be hosting the festival again this year,” Goldbacher said.

“We have seen amazing support, particularly from our long-time presenting sponsor Toshiba,” he added.

Past and Present

The past year with the pandemic and resulting lockdown “has been tough on the entire community and we are excited to bring the event back to Dana Point,” Goldbacher said.

“Last year we had to make some changes but were lucky enough to be able to do a virtual event with partners from maritime-based organizations from five different states and three continents,” he explained. “As amazing as it was to host a virtual event in 2020, it does not compare to having the event in-person and getting people out to experience the history.”

Details of Event

This year, the institute plans to host six ships from visiting ports. Patrons of the event will have the opportunity to tour the boats and, if interested, go out to sea and participate in mock cannon battles onboard.

The event kicks off at the harbor with the fifth annual Sails n' Ales party on September 10. There will be eight breweries selling drinks, as well as live music from American Idol finalist Casey Abrams.

On September 11 and 12, there will be ship tours all day long, as well as features including “mermaid encounters,” ocean education activities and historical reenactments.

Mermaid encounters are presented by Sheroes Entertainment. There will be two catered mermaid breakfasts with opportunities for guests to meet the mermaids. And, look for mermaid swim shows and storytime during the festival.

Supporting the Institute

“The event has something for the entire family and we are excited to bring it back to the community,” Goldbacher said. “All of the proceeds from the event go right back to support the Ocean Institute and the education programs we offer to tens of thousands of students each year.”

Tickets will provide access to the Ocean Institute Education Center, ship tours and other assorted events for the entire family. A ticket is good for either Saturday or Sunday admission.

Tickets to the Sails n' Ales party start at $35, with an option to add unlimited tastings from all of the breweries. Visit www.oceaninstitute.org for more information. For information about the 2021 Maritime Festival, contact Goldbacher at dgoldbacher@oceaninstitute.org

For questions regarding Ocean Institute membership, contact Kara Whitechurch at kwhitechurch@oceaninstitute.org.

Will you attend this year? Let us know in the comments.