Tall Ships organizers did not meet their attendance goal, but are declaring the event a success.

With another 50,000 people showing up today, the preliminary total for the five day event was put at 400,000. They will have more numbers as they count up boarding pass and ticket sales. But the number will likely be short of the goal of 700,000 - the number said to have shown up in 2005.

As we've pointed out, an exact head count is impossible for a free, far flung event like this. Kathleen Merryman also suspects they are being more careful with their numbers than three years ago.

Regardless, it's likely that the spotty weather did play a role. “The rain had a big impact on attendance but those who came despite the weather had a great time and enjoyed themselves,” David Doxtater, festival executive director, said in a press release.