CBS2Chicago 8/2/2006

Title: Tall Ships Head To Navy Pier

Sub-Title: (CBS) CHICAGO You'll soon see a majestic sight out in Lake Michigan. The Tall Ships are heading to Navy Pier.

More than a dozen schooners and sloops will be on display starting Friday. CBS 2’s Sylvia Gomez gives a sneak peek at one of sailing's most spectacular shows. Workers from Westrec Marinas are going double-time, building docks along the Chicago River in preparation for the arrival of the Tall Ships. "Everybody has to work together. Someone's always working the crane. It's hard to explain," said Robert Watson at Westrec.

The Tall Ships are already on their way. Just a few days ago, they were in Green Bay, Wis. The next stop is Navy Pier. But they won't be alone. Built in 1928 Ellie's Sequel is being thread like a needle through tents to get to her resting spot. She and other antique boats will be displayed in the shadow of the majestic masts. "It's a piece of history, and we're trying to preserve that history," said antique boat owner Will Vidal.

Of course what everybody wants to do when they get down to the docks is get aboard one of these boats. There is nothing like the romance of a schooner. “Back in the early 1900's there were 1,800 schooners a day, similar to ours, coming into the harbors of Chicago every day," said Bruce Randall, owner of the Red Witch. Caulk and shellack are the final touches for Chicago’s Red Witch. At home in Burnham Harbor, she's a working schooner, much like her ancestors.

The Parade of Sail begins at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Adler Planetarium. Ships will sail north to Diversey Harbor.

And if you can't make it out to the lakeshore on Thursday, tune in to CBS 2 on Friday at 11:30 a.m. for our special “Tall Ships Chicago 2006 - Parade of Sail.”