OPSAIL BOSTON 2012 TO BRING TALL SHIPS TO BOSTON TO COMMEMORATE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR OF 1812 AND THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
TALL SHIPS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE MAJESTICALLY SAIL INTO BOSTON HARBOR AND ALL ALONG BOSTON’S WATERFRONT DURING 4TH OF JULY FESTIVITIES
Operation Sail, Inc., (OpSail) the national non-profit organization that produces tall ship events commemorating patriotic American milestones, will sail into Boston from June 30 – July 5, 2012 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and The Star-Spangled Banner.
“Partnering with the U.S. Navy in this magnificent international waterfront spectacle in Boston will showcase the character-building aspects of sail training and why it is so important to preserve our maritime heritage,” said Jose Fuentes, Chairman of Operation Sail, Inc.
The berthing locations for OpSail Boston 2012 will be at Fish Pier – located in the Seaport District of South Boston – and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Activities will take place all along Boston’s Harborwalk between those two primary locations.
The USS Constitution will be on full display in the Charlestown Navy Yard in addition to some of the largest tall ships in the world being brought in by OpSail Boston 2012. Scheduled tall ships to appear include the Cisne Branco (Brazil), Gloria (Colombia), Guayas (Ecuador) and Dewarucci (Indonesia) all docked along Fish Pier. The USCGC Eagle and Friendship of Salem will also be part of the celebration and will join the USS Constitution in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Eight additional privately owned tall ships will join the fleet as well.
“For more than 50 years, OpSail has been bringing the official military tall ships of the world to American port cities,” said Chris O’Brien, Executive Director of Operation Sail, Inc. “With OpSail 2012, it is fitting that we bring them to Boston, a harbor rich in maritime history centered around the USS Constitution, the last legacy of the age of sail when Tall Ships fought for our freedoms. This July 4th will be a day to remember in Boston as the Tall Ships bring our maritime history to life!”
Festivities will begin on Saturday, June 30th from 8 a.m. to 12 noon as the ships arrive in Boston Harbor and head to their assigned berths along the waterfront. Tall ship tours are free and open to the public everyday during specific hours. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team – the famed Blue Angels – will fly over the USS Constitution and the USCGC Eagle on Wednesday, July 4th at 12 noon during the Constitution turn-around cruise. For a schedule of tall ship public visiting hours, sponsorship opportunities, and updates on OpSail Boston 2012 events and activities, please visit www.OpSailBoston.com.
About Operation Sail, Inc.
Operation Sail, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1961 with the endorsement of President John F. Kennedy. Backed by a Joint Congressional Resolution, its mission is to advance sail training and promote goodwill among nations. OpSail has produced five international sailing events in 1964, 1976, 1986, 1992 and 2000 – each tied to a patriotic or historical event. For more information, visit www.OpSailBoston.com
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Friendship of Salem is not attending this event, per an official at the National Park Service.
This is a wonderful opportunity
WOW! what a time for our little corner of the world to shine. I pray that the city has SUFFICIENT trash.
recepticles and pickup. This is going to be fabulous. Lucky North End Waterfront residents.
Will the ships be coming through the cape cod canal. If yes, when? Thank you