Tall ships end festival, set sail with Spirit

Complete coverage from the festival with multimedia and more.

The Spirit of South Carolina led the way with winds pushing at four full sails. Seven tall ships from around the globe followed its trail into the Atlantic, a red sun setting behind them on a purple horizon.

Brad Van Liew, director of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation, sent one final round of cannon fire in the direction of Sullivan's Island, announcing the Spirit's sailing debut to a crowd of hundreds lining the shore and bidding farewell to the tall ship fleet. Captain Tony Arrow turned the "helms alee" and the ship headed for shore.

It was a moment Spirit directors, crew and volunteers had been waiting seven years to see.

"What a great feeling," Van Liew said. "She came out blazing."

The Charleston Maritime Festival drew to a close Sunday night as the Spirit sailed through the harbor, wind-powered for the first time. The three-day event drew more than 85,000 people, Van Liew said.

" I think a lot of people feel a sense of pride in their own ship," he said. "Our mission is starting to work. We've been plugging this for years."

For the Parade of Sails, crowds of onlookers filled each dock at the Charleston Maritime Center and lined Waterfront Park, cheering and whistling at each cannon fire. On board the Spirit, the cannon erupted at every harbor turn.

"Awwww, c'mon, they're pop guns," Van Liew said when the crew teased him for his zest for fire.

The tall ships came from as far as Colombia, Canada, India and England. All but the Spirit, which requires a few finishing touches, will meet again in Norfolk, Va., and make their way up the East Coast for a final event in Nova Scotia. Their gathering in Charleston kicked off the Tall Ship Challenge, organized by the American Sail Training Association.

"Charleston Harbor is a favorite this year," said Jim Whipple, second mate of Schooner Virginia.

Schooner Virginia and Pride of Baltimore II are headed for Richmond, Va.

Whipple said the visiting crowds generally have been more concerned than the crews about which ship gets there first.

"The party line is we're not racing, but we're racing," he said and laughed.

The festival drew spectators of all ages, from pirate-loving tots to senior seafaring enthusiasts.

Michael Flowers of North Charleston said the event brought him back to his days spent in the Navy, and he enjoyed sharing some of his maritime interests with Jeremy, his 7-year- old son.

"Nostalgia?" he said, shaking his head as if to stir up memories.

Jeremy said he liked boarding the ships but hopes one day to work on one.

"Because it's so big," he explained.

Reach Jamie McGee at 7455856 or at jmcgee@postandcourier.com.