Residents of the largest city on Lake Huron love to flock to the waterfront with cameras in hand whenever the tall ships ply area waters.
A number of the majestic vessels have sailed through Sarnia this summer and a unique replica Viking longboat has certainly attracted a lot of attention.
The 35 m Draken Harald Haarfagre, from Norway, made a return trip Wednesday, docking overnight along the Port Huron, Michigan riverfront, across from Clifford St. on the Canadian side.
Her next port of call was said to be the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle for tours Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm.
Mayor Mike Bradley is urging Tourism Sarnia-Lambton to consider the feasibility of another Tall Ships Festival in Sarnia.
There were festivals in 2000 and 2003, with the most recent event attracting about 100,000 people to the city waterfront.
TSL Marketing Coordinator Vicky Praill says they're certainly open to working with the local community to try to bring the ships back.
"It's getting those community partners to want to be part of the event and put up the money to get the event here," says Praill. "But absolutely it's a great event and it definitely showcases our community."
Praill says this summer's Great Lakes Tall Ships Challenge isn't expected back in the area until 2019 at the earliest.
