‘A unique experience’

played to a room full of Shelburne tourism draws that will showcase all they have to offer when the tall ships come to town.

Plans are already underway to take advantage of the Shelburne leg of the visit, with the Loyalist Longboat Society set to give tours of the harbour this summer aboard longboats.

“We will be offering mini tours of the tall ships,” said Phil Crosbie with the society. “We will take people on board by donation.”

The society enjoys giving rowing rides to visitors, he says, and offers tours of the harbour and the town throughout the summer.

Longboat society member Pat Demolitor loves rowing with the society.

“We have a lot of fun,” she said. “We really do.”

Crosbie said there will be some challenges they hope to overcome by the time the tall ships visit Shelburne on Aug. 14 and 15.

“There are only 15 members,” he said. “We would love to see more volunteers.” tall ships visitors by the Shelburne Reenactment Society, which is planning to fire muskets in a cloud of smoke. Darren Hudson, a world champion lumberjack, will wow visitors with his axe throwing and give guests the opportunity to try it as well.

There will also be plenty of local flavours served up at all ports of call. Emily Tipton, co-owner of Boxing Rock Brewery, says the Shelburne business will be serving some great craft beer to represent the province.

“Shelburne is looking forward to welcoming visitors to participate in Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta to celebrate both our local maritime heritage as well as Canada’s 150th birthday,” said Shelburne Mayor Karen Mattatall.

Tall ships are visiting 10 ports in Nova Scotia, with stops in Sydney, Louisbourg, St. Peters, Port Hawkesbury, Pictou, Pugwash, Halifax, Lunenburg, Shelburne and Digby. There will be free ship access to the public.

“Dig deep and tell the story that is unique to your community,” Furey urged the host communities. “Each visit to every single outport will be a unique experience each time.”