Dozens of ships will make the Boston Harbor their temporary home from June 17th to June 22nd. These ships, from all over the globe, are heading to Boston for the public to hop on board for free at the Seaport and Charlestown. Read more details from Sail Boston and all our coverage here!
Over Fifty Ships From Around the Globe to
Grace Boston Harbor
On Saturday, June 17, Boston Harbor takes center stage in the nautical world as dozens of magnificent sailing vessels, led by the US Coast Guard Barque Eagle, will parade into Boston Harbor under sail for the first time since 2000. From June 17-22, the harbor will belong to the ships, their crews, and the thousands people that are expected to view the ships and stroll their historic decks. Sail Boston 2017 is part of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, a transatlantic race organized by Sail Training International. The regatta commenced in the UK on April 13, raced to Portugal, and is currently on its way to Bermuda, and then to Boston. In Boston, the European, South American and North American fleets will congregate before sailing en masse to Quebec for Canada’s National 150th Celebration.
The festivities kick off with the Grand Parade of Sail, a breathtaking maritime spectacle featuring more than fifty stately ships from around the world. Participating ships include Union from Peru, Europa from the Netherlands, Alexander Von Humboldt II from Germany, El Galeon from Spain, Guayas from Ecuador, Blue Clipper from the U.K., Bluenose II from Canada, and Esmeralda from Chile. The combined length of tall ships participating in Sail Boston 2017 is 6,238 feet. That is the equivalent of eight Prudential Towers, or the length of the Copley Square to Government Center championship parade route covered by the New England Patriots.
The Grand Parade of Sail launches a five day nautical celebration featuring educational, cultural, interactive, and re-enactment events and activities as well as daily free public boarding of the ships in the Seaport and Charlestown. A colorful crew and cadets parade, soccer tournament, crew party, and sunset salutes highlight the landside activities. “We have been working vigorously with the City, State, Massport, the US Coast Guard and other public and private agencies to ensure a safe, successful and memorable experience for all. We look forward with great enthusiasm to the arrival of the Tall Ships,” stated Dusty Rhodes, President of Conventures and Executive Director of Sail Boston 2017.
Visit www.sailboston.com for a complete list of events, participating ships, and latest update.
