Mast Production

The massive black ship proudly sailed into Dana Point Harbor on Saturday with such grace that it hushed a crowd of thousands waiting on shore.

Then without warning, a series of deafening explosions sounded from Civil War cannons fired by men in historic marine dress.

Scared kids began to cry. Dogs barked. And the blue skies filled with smoke. It was a fitting welcome for the 130-foot Pilgrim tall ship.

The cannon fire kicked off a celebration of the 16th annual Toshiba Tallships Festival.

About 20,000 people are expected to attend the two-day event, which commemorates California’s 150th anniversary of statehood and includes games, food and educational displays, an art show and concerts.

The Pilgrim, a replica of the ship Richard Henry Dana Jr. immortalized in his classic “Two Years Before the Mast,” has called Dana Point home since 1981.

It is moored near the Ocean Institute and provides history programs for students and visitors.

But in late summer, the Pilgrim sails the sea and stops for a maintenance check in San Diego.

Then it travels up the coast before heading back to its home in Dana Point for the annual event.

Christie Drolet, 50, has watched the same ships cruise by annually for about a decade.

“It’s been a tradition for us,” she said. “It’s just so fun to see people enjoy.”

Her husband, Greg, came out to the harbor at 6 a.m. to save a cabana for the family picnic.

“Nowadays, people are too busy and there’s lack of community,” said Greg Drolet. “This pulls everyone together and that’s nice to see.”

Larry Hutchisson of San Juan Capistrano agreed: “There’s an energy in being able to see tall ships that are part of history.”

The festival ends today with mock cannon battles, concerts, food and tours of tall ships until 5 p.m. at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point.