The famous Bluenose II will lead a majestic fleet of tall ships into Sarnia next summer as part of the Tall Ships Challenge Ontario Tour.
The City of Sarnia and Tourism Sarnia-Lambton announced Tuesday morning that Sarnia is one of four Ontario ports that will host the ship -- that's adorned the Canadian dime since 1937.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton Special Events Coordinator Vicky Praill is thrilled.
"We're really excited," said Praill. "It was hard to get the Bluenose out of Nova Scotia, but the team of Canadian ports worked together and we sent out letters of support asking them and requesting that they join the tall ships challenge -- and it worked."
Praill said so far there's an impressive lineup for the event taking place August 9 - 11 in 2019 along the shores of the St. Clair River at Centennial Park.
"We also secured Picton Castle, Empire Sandy, Dennis Sullivan, Fair Jeanne and Appledore IV."
She said they're still working to secure other ships -- including one from Europe -- which will be announced at a later date.
Tickets to view all of the tall ships anchored -- with optional upgrades for deck tours and rides aboard the Empire Sandy -- will be available in the coming weeks.
Praill said this event can not be possible without community support, sponsors and volunteers.
For more information on how to get involved, go to www.sarniatallships.com.