Resounding Success for the Third Edition of the Tall Ships at the Old Port of Montréal

145,000 visitors flocked to the Jacques Cartier Quay to enjoy the maritime celebration

MONTREAL, Sept. 17, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The third edition of the Tall Ships festival in the Old Port of Montréal was launched on Thursday, September 13 and wound up yesterday. The event was a great success, attracting 144,724 visitors. The busiest day was Saturday, September 15, when 68,704 people turned out for this popular maritime celebration.

One of the highlights of the event was the sail-past of the tall ships, which were welcomed by a gun salute. Crowds lined the shore to admire five majestic ships, with their exciting histories and tales of adventure: the Peacemaker (US), the Roter Sand (Can), the Fair Jeanne (Can), the Pathfinder (Can) and the St. Lawrence II (Can). Sailing and history buffs enjoyed the opportunity to tour the ships and visit with their enthusiastic crews. The concert by the spokesperson for the festival, Yann Perreau, also made for a memorable event.

Over the four days of the event, the Maritime Village was transformed into a real party zone, where Montrealers and visitors could take part in a full program of activities including concerts, street entertainers, activities for young sailors, water games, face-painting for the youngest visitors and three evenings of fabulous fireworks.

"The Tall Ships is one of Montréal's outstanding events, a unique celebration of Montréal's rich heritage and maritime culture," said Claude Benoit, President and CEO of the Old Port of Montréal Corporation. "The huge numbers of people who came out to see the ships speaks to their interest and renewed desire to reconnect with the water and their river, and to appreciate the Old Port of Montréal's impressive maritime heritage."

The Tall Ships closed a festive and varied summer season in the Old Port, which was a hit with Montrealers and tourists alike once again this year. Your next date with the Tall Ships^®: September 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2013.

Our thanks to the partners of the 2012 edition of the Tall Ships^®: the SDC Vieux-Montréal, the STM, Sleeman, Presenter of the Pirate Cabaret, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Presenter of the Navigator's Quarter, Van Houtte, Presenter of the Maritime Tales, and the Laurentian Bank, Presenter of the Young Sailors' District.

The Old Port also wishes to acknowledge the support of its institutional partners: TELUS, Sleeman, Coca-Cola and its main partner, the Government of Canada.

SOURCE: OLD PORT OF MONTREAL CORPORATION

Source:

Old Port of Montréal Corporation

Information:

Chloé Rossi
Tel.: [phone]
Cell: 514 652-6478
[email protected]