A flotilla of a half-dozen tall ships, including a replica of the iconic Santa Maria, will sail into the St. Petersburg waterfront for a festival onshore and off March 30-April 2. Tall Ships America, a nonprofit dedicated to maritime heritage and youth education, is bringing its annual tour of tall ships from across the country. This is the first time in 20 years that the majestic maritime festival has included a port in St. Petersburg.

The fleet heading to St. Petersburg includes the Nao Trinidad from Spain, a replica of the Santa Maria, the largest of the three Spanish ships used by Christopher Columbus in his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492. Five additional invited ships include Pride of Baltimore II, Ernestina-Morrissey and Barque Elissa, one of the oldest ships sailing today, having launched in 1877.