Tall Ships in Newport, Oregon. Cody Cha photo
Drama on the docks: Grays Harbor Historical Seaport announced Tuesday that famous tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain may not be returning to Newport in July.
Stakeholders in Newport raised concerns about the impact the tall ships and the crowds they bring would have on the fishing community and businesses during July – which is one of their busiest months of the year.
In a press release sent out Tuesday, Brandi Bednarik, executive director of Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, said she received an email on May 30 from the Port of Newport stating their moorage agreement was being revoked.
More than 2,100 people have purchased tickets for the tall ships return in July as of Tuesday. If a deal is not made, the press release said that the company would issue exchanges or refunds to ticket holders.