Whats Happening at Channelside in Tampa?

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

Tall ships... that's what!! I headed for Channelside last week when I heard through the grape vine that there were some very tall sail ships to be docked there until Wednesday the 14th. I had not heard of “Sail Tampa Bay” in the past, however in 2002 an event known as the America's Sail arrived in St. Petersburg, Florida. Apparently the event didn't go over too well when organizers realized they hadn't done their homework, and there were far to many people who wanted to see the massive vessels.

We arrived at Channelside in the evening, and it seemed to be going very well. Not over crowded, no mass hysteria, in fact everything seemed to be very calm and organized. Three steel hulled ships docked at The Port of Tampa, one in clear view. The first ship we encountered was the U.S. Coast Guard Ship (photo above). Although it's sails were not dropped, it was an enormous beauty. We couldn't figure out how to board the ship, but enjoyed walking around until we found the perfect spot to photograph her large exterior. Named “Eagle” she is a training ship for the U.S. Coast Guard.

As we enjoyed a perfect dinner at the Columbia Cafe, we realized the other ships where docked further down, and as night fell, we finished up our meal and made our way to photograph the Uruguan flagged Schooner called “Captain Miranda” and the Columbian barque “Gloria.” Both as massive, and as beautiful as the “Eagle” with lights along their masts and friendly sailors on board and on shore... perfect for capturing at night.

Hopefully this event will continue and we will be able to go back year after year to enjoy these ocean beauties. If we are in fact graced with their beauty again... I will be sure to get on board the next time!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,
Wendy

All images shot with the Olympus E500, on Lexar digital media, with the Zuiko 15-54mm wide angle zoom.