PHILADELPHIA, May 6, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- There's always activity on the Delaware River, but the summer of 2003 will be busier than ever!
From the U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle, the largest Tall Ship flying the Stars and Stripes and the only square-rigger in U.S. government service, to the return of the newly refurbished Gazela, from the Jeanie Johnston, which is the re-creation of the Proud Irish Immigrant ship, to the re-opening of the Moshulu and all the boats that sail by, motor along and haul freight, the waterfront activity on Penn's Landing will be the perfect escape for summer fun. Why, there will even be Ducks waddling by carrying 36 passengers -- Ducks that are amphibious vessels taking thousands of guests on fun-filled sightseeing tours on land and sea!
Here are highlights of Maritime Philadelphia. First, Philadelphia's tall ship, the Gazela will return to her berth at Penn's Landing. As the owner and operator of the historic barkentine Gazela, the non-profit Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild has now embarked on one of the most ambitious projects in its history. The Guild is now in the process of replacing the entire deck and waterways of this hundred year-old 177 foot tall ship. This work will be accomplished by the combined effort of a core of professional shipwrights and the volunteer members of the Guild that also make up the sailing crew of the vessel. She will return to Penn's Landing in early June for a majority of the summer season.
The Jeanie Johnston will be a treat to view. This re-creation of the Proud Irish Immigrant ship will be docked at the Penn's Landing Marina beginning June 12. One of the most ambitious maritime heritage projects undertaken in Ireland, the ship offers a unique insight into emigration from Ireland in the Famine and post-Famine eras. The Jeanie Johnston set sail for North America in mid-February 2003 retracing the historic transatlantic voyages it made 150 years earlier while also offering an interesting living history visitor experience. After visiting ports in Florida and Georgia, the Jeanie Johnston will visit Philadelphia at Penn's Landing from June 12-23rd and will be open to the public.
The U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle will visit the Philadelphia waterfront at Penn's Landing this summer, August 15-18, 2003. EAGLE, the largest Tall Ship flying the Stars and Stripes and the only square-rigger in U.S. government service. Home ported at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, Eagle is the training ship for future U.S. Coast Guard officers. The summer training deployment takes it to exciting ports of call all over the globe. While sailing, more than 150 cadets and officer candidates train in the basics of leadership, seamanship and character.
Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the 2003 Summer Season at Penn's Landing. Penn's Landing family of sponsors for the 2003 Summer Season also includes: Commerce Bank, US Airways, Pennsylvania Lottery, PECO Energy, and Deer Park Water.
Penn's Landing is Philadelphia's Waterfront district, running along Columbus Boulevard from Washington Avenue to Spring Garden Street. The two main sites for the more than 75 festivals, concerts, and events at Penn's Landing are the Great Plaza, located along the Delaware River at Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street, and Festival Pier, on Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street. For more information on event locations and event details, call (215) 922-2FUN or visit www.pennslandingcorp.com.
The Penn's Landing Corporation logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=349