Are you planning to take your boat out in Boston Harbor while the Tall Ships are here? Read more below to learn about important boating regulations and traffic patterns that will be in effect June 17 – 22 during the Tall Ships’ visit to Boston.
Sail Boston, Inc. has released recreational boating guidelines related to the June 17 – 22 maritime festival. Regulated anchorage areas and boating traffic patterns, particularly on Parade of Sail day (Saturday, June 17), will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and visitors. Sail Boston 2017 is the Official United States port of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, a transatlantic race featuring over 50 of the world’s most historic and celebrated Tall Ships.
Thousands of people are expected to view the ships within the harbor, and the US Coast Guard has issued timelines and guidelines that apply to all spectator vessels during the Parade of Sail and the traffic pattern for the event from June 17-21. These include:
- Anchorages open June 16, 2017 at 8:00 AM. Exception: For Anchorages 9, 11, 12, 13 there is no overnight anchoring (see map posted below).
- Spectators should be in temporary anchorages no later than 8:30 AM, June 17th.
- Temporary anchorages will remain in effect until 4:00 PM or at the conclusion of the Parade of Sail.
- Vessels are permitted to transit and maneuver within the temporary anchorages.
- If a vessel operator cannot safely navigate within the temporary anchorage, notify an on-scene law enforcement vessel for guidance.
- During Parade of Sail, the Safety Zone area is 1,000 yards ahead and asternand 100 yards on either side of the Tall Ship.
- There will be a 25 yards Safety Zone around each moored participating Tall Ship.
- The outer perimeter of the anchorage area will be the federal navigation channel line. Additional buoys will be used to mark the channel line as a visual reference.
- After the completion of the Parade of Sail the traffic pattern will be established through June 21, 2017.
For more information contact the Coast Guard at d1publicaffairs@uscg.mil or 617-223-8515.
PLEASE NOTE: Sail Boston 2017 reminds all recreational boaters to follow the Clean Vessel Act law for “pumping, not dumping.” Ensuring better quality in marine waters is a critical part of keeping coastal areas healthy for boaters, swimmers and seafood lovers—pumping out at free and convenient stations is essential to preserve sensitive resources and essential habitats. All Massachusetts waters are classified as no discharge areas. The CVA program is administered by the state division of Marine Fisheries. For more information visit: mass.gov/dmf/cva
Sail Boston 2017 Partners and Sponsors
Sail Boston 2017 is the only US port of the international Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta organized in celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary. Sail Boston 2017 is produced and managed by Conventures, Inc., New England’s premier special events company, in partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, City of Boston, Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Massport, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, Fan Pier, Sail Training International, Tall Ships America, and U.S. National Park Service.
Corporate funding is provided in part by presenting sponsors Bank of America, The Coca-Cola Company, and Stop & Shop Supermarkets. WCVB Channel 5 and WBZ Radio are official media partners of Sail Boston. See complete sponsors list here: www.sailboston.com/sponsors.
Visit www.sailboston.com for a complete list of events, participating ships, and latest updates, or follow on Facebook, @SailBoston2017 on Twitter, or @SailBoston on Instagram and join the conversation using #SailBoston.
