Sarnia's Tall Ships Festival officially shoved off with a Parade of Sails Friday afternoon.
Five of the six majestic vessels in port for the weekend set sail at 3 p.m. for a two-hour trek.
The Bluenose II, Picton Castle, Empire Sandy, Appledore IV and Fair Jeanne sailed along the St. Clair River and out into Lake Huron and back.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton Coordinator Vicky Praill said all the tall ships, including the Christopher Columbus replica Santa Maria will be on display at Sarnia Harbour through the weekend.
General admission tickets will be available Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 10 a.m. both days. All morning and evening cruises are sold out and boarding passes were in short supply.
With an ideal weather forecast, tens of thousands are expected along the Sarnia waterfront for the festival, Bluewater Borderfest and ARTZscape.
