Basil is Proud to Sponsor the Tall Ships… Basil Port of Call Buffalo

Welcoming a majestic fleet of historic tall ships from harbors throughout the United States and Canada, Buffalo will serve as a new host port of the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes 2019 race from Toronto to Buffalo, on July 4-7, 2019. In conjunction with the arrival of the tall ships, Basil Port of Call: Buffalo, a four-day, family-friendly celebration of the city’s maritime heritage, will take place at Canalside and along the downtown waterfront. Offering a unique opportunity for adults and children alike to view, board and explore the vessels, the weekend festivities will feature family activities, live entertainment, historic exhibits, artisan foods and beverages, music, fireworks, and a Parade of Sail of the tall ship fleet. “Reflecting its past as the Queen City of the Great Lakes and paying tribute to the 21st century rebirth of its waterfront, we are excited to bring the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® to Buffalo and honor a city that played a role in maritime history as one of the North’s largest trade ports. We are also thrilled to recognize Buffalo’s long, peaceful relationship and shared waters with Canada,” said Bert Rogers, Executive Director, Tall Ships America.

The TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® is an annual series of tall ships races and maritime port festivals on the Great Lakes and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts that informs the general public about tall ships, maritime heritage, and sail training. For the first time in (more) its modern history, five Class A and Class B vessels will simultaneously grace the Buffalo waterfront, evoking an era of romance and adventure, while generating a $6 to $8 million economic impact on the local economy. Over 125,000 visitors from throughout Western New York, New York State, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Southern Ontario are expected to participate in this free and open to the public event, while paid “Passport” ticketing will allow for tall ship boarding and visitation.

Honorary Commodore of the event, Joe Basil Sr. commented: “It’s both a pleasure and a privilege for the Basil family to play a pivotal role in supporting this community effort and helping to make Basil Port of Call: Buffalo a special event for all of Western New York to enjoy.” Ticket information and the schedule of events will be released in late 2018.