Bowsprit problem keeps Halie & Matthew ship from this week's festival in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A bowsprit problem on one of the tall ships destined for a Duluth festival will keep it away from the event.

Capt. Bruce Randall tells the Duluth News Tribune the bowsprit on the 118-foot schooner Halie & Matthew failed and hasn't been repaired. That's the long pole that extends from the front of the ship and supports the masts.

More than 1,000 tickets for a ride on the schooner have been sold. Organizers say most of those ticketholders will be redirected to other tall ships in the fleet.

The tall ships festival that opens Thursday is expected to generate as much as $15 million for the Duluth economy and draw at least 250,000 visitors. More than 25 tall ships are taking part in a tour of 22 Great Lakes ports.