The American Sail Training Association (ASTA) has developed the Tall Ships Challenge® race series in North America. 2003 marks the third year of this impressive event. The series launched in the Great Lakes during 2001 when ports like Bay City, Muskegon and Detroit were selected to host the gala celebrations in their ports. Originally not scheduled for a Great Lakes return until 2004, ASTA has selected the Great Lakes region to again host the event. Muskegon is proud to again be selected as a host city during this year's ciruit.
During 2002 the race series took place along the United States' Pacific Coast.
The series is designed to celebrate and promote sail training especially for youth but also opportunities for education under sail and adventure travel for participants of all ages. The race series is a highlight of the summer searson for participating vessels, owners and crew.
As the series continues to grow in popularity and public awareness, ASTA will be better able to serve its membership in every way: with more funds for scholarships and grants, better technical support and representation with government agencies, a bigger annual conference, better regional meetings, and additional special sessions.
Sail training vessels from all over the world are invited to participate. As in 2001, Muskegon looks forward to hosting vessels from international ports as well as Tall Ships that call the United States their home this year. The Great Lakes can be reached by sailing through the St. Lawrence Seaway via Quebec City and Montreal, or for vessels whose rigs can be lowered, via the New York ports of Albany and Oswego on the New York Barge Canal.
