Thousands will be visiting Bay City this weekend to check out the Tall Ships.

Bay Sail Executive Director Shirley Roberts and producer of the Tall Ships Festival says it’s the 7th time in 18 years that these sleek and graceful vessels have come to town. Roberts says Tall Ships has put Bay City on a global map with visitors from 38 states and 22 countries coming to town. She estimates Tall Ships will generate about $10 million for the local economy.