Key West, one of the ships to participate in Americas' Sail, this month. - Contributed
IMPRESSIVE TALL ships from the Ukraine, Brazil, United States, Venezuela and Jamaica, will be storming the waters of Montego and Port Antonio this week, as part of the Americas' Sail 2002, and locals and foreigners alike are anticipating the spectacle.
The premier international sailing event which began in 1986, will take place in Jamaica for the first time this June 14 to 17, and tourism official have projected that it will be a boost for the tourist industry. An estimated 2,000 spectators are expected to see the tall ships as they terminate the race from Curacao to Montego Bay and Port Antonio, and then head towards their final destination, Tampa Bay, Florida.
The larger vessels, called Class 'A' ships, range in size from 96 to 275 feet, and are scheduled to arrive in Jamaica on Friday, June 14. A host of festivities is scheduled for the city, including a Parade of Sail into Montego Bay Harbour on Saturday, June 15, followed by an all-inclusive Carnival on theCruise Ship pier on Saturday night.
Port Antonio has its own Festival of Sail for the Class 'B' ships, which are smaller vessels that range in size from 54 to 76 feet. These ships will dock in the brand new Mega Yacht Marina in Port Antonio.
