THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 1, 1994 TAG: 9406010038
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROY A. BAHLS, VIRGINIAN-PILOT/LEDGER-STAR STAFF
DATELINE: 940601 LENGTH: Medium
\ SAILING IN THE Harborfest Parade of Sail is nothing new for Capt. Howell G. ``Pete'' Hall. He was at the wheel of the tall ship Gazela of Philadelphia from 1989 to 1991.
{REST} This year, like last, he will be at the helm of the Alexandria as the fleet makes it way down the Elizabeth River.
The 40-year-old master mariner is one of the leading authorities on tall ships and is chairman of the newly created Tall Ships Foundation, based in Stamford, Conn.
He looks forward to the Parade of Sail because it kicks off his sailing season.
``After Harborfest,'' he said, ``we work our way up the East Coast to Boston. We arrive at different ports on the way and join in their harbor celebrations.''
Sounds like fun, but over the years, Hall has gotten to see the parade from a different perspective.
``It is fabulous to get to show off your ship,'' he said, ``but it is also very stressful. There are so many pleasure boats around, and these ships are made to be on the open sea.
``I feel like I've done a full day's work, even though I've only been out for a few hours.''
Hall's passion for sailing and his reputation as a tall-ship expert has enabled him to raise funds to help save both the Gazela and the Alexandria. Many of the tall ships offer programs for young people; Hall said that's a good way to preserve our nautical heritage and help our communities.
``Young people learn teamwork and how to work with their hands,'' he said, ``and they build self-confidence and self-esteem. It gets them off the streets, and they learn that they can do anything.''
What else brings Hall to Harbor-fest?
``I like getting together with my old friends on the other tall ships,'' he said. by CNB