OpSail 2000 Miami by Kim Droze staged in New York Harbor. n the morning of 6 Slotnick has assisted ports June 2000, scores of majestic tall ships around the globe with major maritime events. The presiof all classes will enter the Port of Miami channel dent is Captain Julian Fernandez, former chairman of framed by the beauty of the the Biscayne Bay Pilots Asmorning sun. Guided by a sociation and former presifleet of tugboats with water cannon spouting, the ships dent of the State Board of Pilot Commissioners. Capwill be welcomed by thoutain Jirn McDonald, USCG sands of cheering spectators on shore and pleasure (Ret.) is the vice president boats in the water. South and di rector of operations of Florida begins its romance OpSaiJ Miami 2000 and was with OpSail 2000 on this the US Coast Guard Chief of Operations for OpSail morning. " Miami Dade County 1986. The logistics of the event has the honor of being the are significant because the first continental US port for A flotilla of local working and pleasure boats greeted the arrival of the OpSail 2000, and we intend Spanish replicas of Columbus' s fleet , the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Port of Miami is not only the to make the most of it," says Maria, in Miami , 15February1992. (Photo courtesy Hispanic Heritage busiest cruise ship port in the world, but also one of Howard Slotnick, OpSail Council, Inc.) the top cargo ports as well. Miami 2000 chairman and CEO. " We also expect significant tourist participation, par- Port visitors will park offsite and be shuttled to key tour and ticularly from Latin America. This is a golden opportunity for exhibit areas by motorcoach. The site will feature both indoor and outdoor venues for entertainment and activities. the area. " A variety of travel packages will be assembled and offered With Miami Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas serving as honorary chair, plans are underway to create an unforgettable once the host airline has been selected. Artists, craft and merchandise vendors, as well as interested sponsors, should week of tall ship events. More than one million South Floridians and international write to Robert Holtzman , OpSail Miami 2000, c/o Citigatevis itors will have the opportunity to tour the vessels and Gordon/Diaz Balart, 444 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1050, Miami celebrate the year 2000 with the ships ' five thousand cadets, FL 33131. ,t crews and officers from around the world. In addition, there will be public and private receptions and concert events. OpSail Miami 2000 Tlu¡oughout their stay in the Port of Miami, the cadets of these Preliminary Schedule of Events tall ships will be hosted by local consulates and volunteers. The tall ships arrive Tuesday, 6 June, and will be docked in OpSail Miami 2000 will actively participate in the NaMiami until Saturday, 10 June, when they will participate in the tional Maritime Historical Society ' s educational program, crown ing event of OpSail 2000-the Parade of Sail. entitled "Beyond the Spectacle." Miami Dade County schools will receive curriculum guides, and many classes will particiThe following events will be featured on 7, 8 & 9 June: pate in the "adopt-a-ship program." Students will correspond 9AM-NOON: Free school tours of all ships; more than 30,000 by e-mail with ships at sea, and then participate in ships ' tours school chi ldren will tour daily to meet the officers, crew and cadets of their adopted vessel. 9AM-9PM: Cadet & Crew Hospitality Center open lOAM-lOPM: SeaFair with juried Nautical Art Show, Seafood From 6 June through 10 June, Miami will salute the tall Festival, rides and entertainment ships and the lure and lore of the seas. In addition to touring NOON-5PM: Free public tours of the ships the ships and meeting their crew , visitors can participate in the 6-8PM: Private tours and receptions aboard largestSeaFair Miami has ever seen. Nearly $2 million will be raised to create this huge waterfront event. Spectators will In addition, OpSail Miami 2000 will host these special events: visit a sea-themed art show, scores of sea-related exhibits, a Tuesday, 6 June seafood festival featuring South Florida's renowned chefs and 7PM: Private Welcome Reception for ships' officers, OpSail restaurants, and enjoy seafaring musical entertainment from Board and VIP Sponsors South Florida and the Caribbean. The Port and adjacent areas, Wednesday, 7 June including Miami's Bayfront Park and Amphitheater, the l-3PM , Parade to Government Center 9PM- lAM: Captain's Ball Bayside Marketplace, Watson Island and the planned AmeriThursday, 8 June can Airlines Arena, will host related events. 8:30PM: Classical music concert OpSail Miami 2000 ' s board is headed by individuals with Friday, 9 June an abundance of history and experience in the sailing commu9-1 lAM: Cadet Soccer Tournament nity , especially in the tall ships event category. Chairman 9PM: Pop music concert Howard Slotnick, an NMHS Trustee, was the vice president 11 :30PM: OpSail Miami 2000 Fireworks Musical Spectacular and director of operations for OpSail 1976, which celebrated Saturday, 10 June the US Bicentennial, and OpSail 1986, marking the Statue of lOAM: Parade of Sail Liberty 's centennial. Both of these previous events were
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SEA HISTORY 85, SUMMER 1998
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