DULUTH — Thousands of people turned out in Duluth to watch majestic tall ships sweep in under the Aerial Lift Bridge.

The fleet entered Duluth Thursday in a Grand Parade of Sail to kick off this week’s tall ships festival.

Visitors were amazed by the complexity of operating the historic re-creations.

Tom Terrill said the sight of a big ship — with all its ropes and sails — was “just overwhelming.”

The city of Duluth expects big crowds for the festival. The festival 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.