Sarnia is a confirmed host city for the Great Lakes Tall Ships Challenge Race Series next year.
A majestic fleet of historic tall ships will port in the city from August 9-11 in 2019.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton Special Events Coordinator Vicky Praill says Sarnia is one of five Canadian ports on the tour.
"Sarnia and Toronto are the two ports that will have the most tall ships stopping in the port," says Praill. "We're looking at eight to ten. A lot of the other communities will only have four to five."
The tall ships will also port in Brockville, Kingsville and Midland, Ontario.
Sarnia council earmarked $40,000 toward the festival last November, and it's hoped other agencies and sponsors will help offset those costs.
"The last time we had them was in 2003, we also had them in 2000 and they're definitely a crowd pleaser and generator for tourism," says Praill. "We had people from all over the world come down to our waterfront to see these beautiful ships right along Centennial Park."
Praill says residents will be treated to a special preview this weekend when the TS Playfair docks in Sarnia by the Duc D'Orleans II.
"It's not yet confirmed if it will be one of the ones stopping in Sarnia for the series, but it's definitely one of the ships that you'll see along the Great Lakes in 2019," says Praill.
Toronto Brigantine is bringing the ship to Sarnia July 14 -15, hoping to create excitement for next year's event and to recruit youth, ages 13-18, to join them on a ten-day adventure to Parry Sound from July 15 to 25.
The non-profit organization is dedicated to introducing young people to sailing, and teaches leadership skills and teamwork during the trip.