Are those pirate ships? (18 photos)

The HMS Bounty [shown], was the first tall ship to motor round the point by Docks Restaurant shortly before 8 p.m. tonight.

Hundreds of people lining the shore from the Art Gallery of Algoma to the Bondar Pavilion raised a loud cheer as she came around the bend and fired off a salute.

The Pride of Baltimore II came next, also to a rousing cheer and with a cannon salute to Saultites.

Both ships stood waiting in the river for the visiting cruise ship to clear its moorings on the dock before sailing up to the Bondar Marina.

The two vessels are part of an armada of tall ships racing across the Great Lakes as part of Challenge 2010, a race to save the lakes.

According to the race website, two important initiatives sail along with the tall ships: water conservation education and youth sail training.

Tomorrow (Thursday) at 10 a.m., there will be a welcoming ceremony for the crews at the Bondar Pavilion.

The public is invited to attend.

From around 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the ships will be open to the public for tours by donation.

A variety of sponsor booths and exhibits will be set up under the Bondar tent during the day.

War of 1812 re-enactors and the winners of last week’s Castaway Call - Best Pirate Contest will be present as well.