Large crowds expected in Kenosha for Tall Ships Festival

KENOSHA (CBS 58) -- Old era ships have sailed into our area.

It’s for the Tall Ships Festival taking place this weekend in Kenosha. The event provides a unique opportunity to learn about vintage ships.

The festival features seven tall ships, docked at the Kenosha Harbor.

It’s like taking a step back in time.

One of the vessels is the U.S. Brig Niagara. It was used during the War of 1812.

“We are the last of a dying trade, we keep a lot of the maritime crafts alive. We are doing rope work and rigging projects that nobody in the U.S. has done in a 100 years,” said Zach McGee, 2nd mate abroad the ship.

U.S. Brig Niagara continues to sail the country for two-week long trips. After leaving Kenosha, it heads to Duluth, then Erie.

“It is a very unique situation where you become part of the crew where you learn all the basics from day one, how to properly clean the inside of the boat, to driving the boat to sails aloft,” added McGee.

Some people cruised the waters of Lake Michigan on the tall ships, like the Red Witch. “Sailing itself can be very serene, most of the time very peaceful, at times, very heart-pumping when you get into storms,” said Andrew Sadock, captain.

After more than 10 years, Kenosha is hosting the festival. Organizers said they’re expecting thousands over the weekend.

“We expect visitors, at least 30,000, but with this beautiful weather we could hit 50,000 people,” said Kris Kochman, Kenosha community relations liaison.

For more information, visit: https://www.kenoshatallships.com/