HOUSTON, March 19, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Port of Houston Authority (PHA), the Texas Seaport Museum and the Houston Yacht Club have teamed up again this year to bring the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa up the Houston Ship Channel for educational and public tours. The Elissa will be open for tours at PHA's Bayport Cruise Terminal from Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3, and will also be the site of the skippers' meeting for the 23rd Annual Elissa Regatta Festival to be hosted by HYC April 3-5.
"This event is an example of how well the Texas Gulf Coast is recovering from Hurricane Ike," said HYC Commodore Mike Bordelon. "Both the Elissa and HYC were significantly affected by the storm, but the Elissa volunteers have done a masterful job of repairing their historic vessel and HYC is anxious to show off the plans for our new harbor, which is under construction at this time."
Wade Battles, acting executive director of the Port of Houston Authority, said PHA is pleased to host the historic vessel again this year. "The Elissa's visit to Bayport last year was beneficial to the community. We hope even more area residents, especially school groups, will take the time to come visit the ship this year. She is an important symbol of Galveston Bay's maritime heritage."
The tall ship will be open for student and public tours for five days before taking part in the three-day Elissa Regatta Festival, which is also open to the public, according to Ruth Keenan, HYC's chair for the event. The yacht club, located in Shoreacres near the Bayport Terminal, has supported the Elissa with a benefit regatta every year since 1986.
A special feature of this year's festival will be a Consuls' Regatta, which will honor the country of Spain.
"We hope this will be the beginning of a new tradition for HYC and the Houston Consular Corps," said Cheryl Thomas, HYC's Rear Commodore and Consuls' Regatta chair.
Another highlight of the weekend will be a concert by singer and songwriter Jay Nash the evening of April 4.
"The three-day event, as well as the educational and public tours the preceding week, will support the exhibits, community activities and educational programs of the Elissa and the Texas Seaport Museum," Keenan said.
The Notice of Race is available online at www.houstonyachtclub.com on the Race and Regatta page. The link to Regatta Network for online racing registration is also located on the Race and Regatta page. For more information, please contact the HYC Office at 281.471.1255.
Schedule of Events
23rd Annual Elissa Regatta
Sunday, March 29
Elissa arrives at the Bayport Cruise Terminal, located in Pasadena between Kemah and Shoreacres just east of State Highway 146.
March 30 - April 3
Tours of the Elissa at the Bayport Cruise Terminal from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost will be $3 for students and $5 for adults. To arrange a tour, please contact June Shaw at 713.629.2133 or Christine Hayes at 409.763.1877.
Friday, April 3
Regatta Festival Begins: Competitor's Briefing at 7 p.m. aboard the Elissa at the Bayport Cruise Terminal. Will include music, food and the opportunity to adopt a country to race for in the Consul Regatta.
Saturday, April 4
Racing action begins. The warning signal for One-Design and Cruising Lines is at 10:30 a.m. Additional races to follow. A live concert with singer/songwriter Jay Nash begins at 6 p.m. at HYC. Check him out online at http://www.myspace.com/jaynash. Tickets cost $40 per person and include the show and a buffet dinner. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please call the HYC Office at 281.471.1255 for ticket information. A live auction will also be held Saturday evening.
Sunday, April 5
A church service onboard the Elissa, which will be docked at the Bayport Cruise Terminal, will begin at 8:30 a.m. A Blessing of the Boats will follow. The warning signal for the first One-Design and Cruising Line race will sound at 10:30 a.m. Additional races may follow. The Elissa and Consul Regatta Awards Ceremony will follow the racing action Sunday afternoon at HYC.
The Port of Houston Authority logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=720