Bill of Rights Tall Ship Now at Home in Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard
Island Packers Cruises, an authorized concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, invites visitors to enjoy a coastal adventure off the Ventura County coast aboard the Bill of Rights tall ship, which recently established its home port in Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard.
The Bill of Rights, a 136-foot double-mast gaff rig top sail schooner built in 1971, is now available for three-hour coastal cruises with Island Packers, both Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy the sailing adventure while keeping a watchful eye out for dolphins, seals, sea lions and other marine life or put a little more adventure in your life by helping the crew sail the historic ship.
The cost is $45 for adults, $40 for seniors (age 55+), and $35 for children, ages 12 and under. The Bill of Rights is also offering 4th of July Cruise Sails on Friday, July 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, July 4 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Visitors can watch the colorful display of fireworks starting at 9 p.m. from the grand ship.
The Bill of Rights is berthed near the Marine Emporium Landing in Channel Islands Harbor at 3600 S. Harbor Boulevard. A joint effort between Captain Stephen Taylor, boat owner and founder of the American Tall Ship Institute, Alex Brodie, Fleet Manager of Island Packers and Steve Buenger, owner of Marine Emporium Landing, helped bring the tall ship to Ventura County.
Constructed of wood and christened at the prominent Harvey Gamage Shipyard in South Bristol, Maine, the Bill of Rights led the tall ships parade through New York Harbor in 1976 when America celebrated its 200th birthday. The ship was converted from a traditional fishing schooner to a school ship after the bicentennial and has been educating youth ever since through the American Tall Ship Institute now based in Channel Islands Harbor. The Bill of Rights programs include marine biology, environmental studies and maritime history.
Cruising the California Channel Islands for education, recreation, and research since 1968, Island Packers Cruises has over 40 years of experience as a tour operator in the waters of the Channel Islands National Park. Island Packers provides transportation services for island hiking, camping, kayaking, whale watching, school field trips, sightseeing, and harbor cruises.
The Bill of Rights accommodates up to 80 passengers, and visitors are encouraged to bring food and beverages for the day and layers of warm clothing. Advanced reservations are recommended.
For more information and reservations, call Island Packers Cruises at 805-642-1393.
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