By TONY MINER
KIRO Radio

The roar of cannon could be heard, and the flutter of tall sails could be seen in Penn Cove off Whidbey Island Saturday.

Use your imagination, and this could have been a naval battle from the 18th century.

But back to reality, and this was a mock battle sail featuring the official ship of the State of Washington, the Lady Washington, and it's friendly rival the Hawaiian Chieftan.

Both ships are reproductions of the sailing ships of our maritime history.

The Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftan are run by the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, and take part in educational cruises and ambassadorial visits up and down the west coast throughout the year.

Off Whidbey Island this hot summer weekend, the two ships maneuvered around each other for the best position to fire their cannon at each other, less the cannon balls of course.

In the end, with both ships very much afloat and the happy sun and salt drenched paying customers safely back on shore, the two mostly volunteer crews were able to hoist a tankard of ale and plan for their next adventure on the high seas.

You might also be interested in:

• Photo Gallery: Ships stage battle off Whidbey Island
• Historicalseaport.org