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Tall Ships Arrive At Navy Pier

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CHICAGO (CBS) -- Seth Salzman is captain of a 63-foot schooner built 77 years ago for Gen. George Patton to sail around the world.

Today, that ship, the "When And If," is docked at Navy Pier through the weekend for the Tall Ships Parade of Sail.

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When And If, sailing on Lake Michigan. (Credit: Lisa Fielding)

"General Patton said when the war is over and if I come home alive, my wife and I will sail this around the world. Sadly, it never happened because Patton died in a car accident in 1945," Salzman said.

The wooden vessel has spent the majority of her life in New England but has sailed throughout the Caribbean and even sailed to Cuba recently.

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When And If, sailing on Lake Michigan. (Credit: Lisa Fielding)
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When And If, sailing on Lake Michigan. (Credit: Lisa Fielding)

It's her first trip to Chicago.

"Yes, this is our first time here, my first time here personally and the ship's first time, it's never been this inland," said Salzman.

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When And If, sailing on Lake Michigan. (Credit: Lisa Fielding)

The six-member crew lives, works and travels aboard the ship all summer. The crew was busy raising and taking down the sails as it made its way onto Lake Michigan.

"We're actually raising money to sail around the world. That's one voyage she hasn't fulfilled just yet. We hope to fulfil General Patton's dream someday," said Salzman.

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When And If, sailing on Lake Michigan. (Credit: Lisa Fielding)

The "When and If" is one of 14 tall ships that will be on display at Navy Pier.

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When And If, sailing on Lake Michigan. (Credit: Lisa Fielding)

One of the highlights will be the Draken Harald Harfagre from Norway, which is the world's largest and most authentic Viking warship recreation.

Visitors to the Tall Ships Festival will be able to board and tour the vessels and even take a sail for an admission cost.

Also making its Chicago debut is the Spanish Vessel El Galeon Andalucia. The floating maritime museum is a 170-foot replica of a 16th Century galleon, the only one in the world sailing today.

Tall Ships Parade of Sail 2016 begins Wednesday and runs through Sunday.

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