Tall ships ahoy! FLOTILLA OF STATELY VESSELS TO SAIL INTO BOSTON
For the first time since 2000, more than 50 majestic sailing vessels from around the globe will parade in flotillas into Boston Harbor, led by U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle. From June 17 to 22, Boston Harbor will belong to the ships, their crews and more than 4 million expected visitors.
As an official port of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, Boston is the last stop for these ships, sailing from as far away as British Columbia on their way to Quebec City.
“The Boston visit will be an occasion to celebrate our rich maritime heritage and display our great community pride. Boston will be showcased, on an international stage, as a welcoming, capable and desirable destination brimming with culture, attractions, innovation and history,” said Dusty Rhodes, president of Conventures and executive director of Sail Boston 2017.
Looking for more reasons to go? Check out these can't-miss highlights during the Sail Boston 2017 festivities.
Grand Parade of Sail (Boston Harbor, June 17)
Flotillas parade from Broad Sound into the main channel of Boston Harbor, along the Boston waterfront, turning at Charlestown, before proceeding to their assigned berthing areas. Public viewing of the parade will be spectacular from Castle Island, the Seaport District, the downtown waterfront, the North End, Charlestown and East Boston. This is your chance to see the ships dressed in full regalia.
Public Boarding of Ships (multiple locations, June 17-21)
Get your sea legs and learn your port from your starboard by boarding a tall ship and learning from experienced captains and crew. The tall ships will be
berthed at various piers for the public to view and board, at the captains’ discretion, of course.
Must-see Tall Ships
Her Majesty’s Canadian ship Oriole, currently the longest-serving commissioned vessel in the Royal Canadian Navy, built by George Lawley & Son in Neponset.
Spain’s El Galeon, a 17thcentury Spanish galleon replica. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, galleons were the boats that took the lead role in the longest trade and cultural routes. The 164-foot fullrigged ship was built in 2009.
The Netherlands’ Europa, a three-masted barque built in 1911 in Hamburg, Germany, and completely renovated in the Netherlands starting in 1986. As an official Sail Training Vessel, the Europa musters as trainees holiday seekers, as well as students from maritime schools.
Wide-eyed visitors of all ages can also enjoy a crew and cadet parade and soccer tournament, and all that Boston’s Seaport and harbor front has to offer.
“An event of this magnitude comes along very rarely. It takes years of planning and lobbying of different countries and international sailing organizations. But, come this June 17, all the hard work will pay off as the long-awaited Grand Parade of Sails unfolds majestically in Boston Harbor for the first time in nearly a generation,” Rhodes said. “We invite everyone to come and enjoy the greatest show on surf.”
For more information, go to sailboston.com. Sail Boston also has an app for Android and iOS with maps, FAQs, schedules and more.