Above: The Esmeralda, a steel-hulled barquentine operated by the Chilean Navy as a sail training vessel, measures 371 feet in length with a beam of 43 feet and a draft of 23 feet, making her one of the largest tall ships still in active service. Known affectionately as the “White Lady,” she will be docked at Boston’s Commonwealth Pier. Image courtesy Sail Boston
By Gage Vieno, Reporter Fellow
Boston Harbor will this week once again become the center of one of the world’s largest maritime celebrations as Sail Boston returns for the first time since 2017, bringing dozens of tall ships from around the globe to the city’s waterfront.
The free event, running from this Friday (July 10) through July 16, is expected to draw more than one million visitors as more than 60 vessels representing more than 20 countries enter the harbor for a week of public ship tours, waterfront festivities, fireworks, and cultural events.
The celebration is part of the nationwide commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and marks one of Boston’s signature events of the summer.
Speaking during a press conference Monday at the Boston Harbor Hotel, Mayor Michelle Wu called the celebration “a huge centerpiece for this summer. It’s going to bring in dozens of the most stunning, beautiful vessels from around the world, connecting our city to our heritage of seafaring connections and global leadership, and also continuing momentum that’s been built over these last several weeks and months.”
The event, she said, reflects the city’s identity as “a beautiful, welcoming, family-friendly community that is ready to celebrate every culture that is represented here in our neighborhoods.”
Festivities begin Friday with an opening ceremony before the Parade of Sail on Saturday, when the fleet will enter the inner harbor led by USS Constitution and the USCGC Eagle. The ships will dock throughout the waterfront, where many will be open for public boarding through July 15.
Additional events include a crew and cadet parade, a soccer tournament featuring ship crews, and fireworks displays over the harbor.
With Saturday expected to be the busiest day of the festival, transportation officials urged visitors to avoid driving into the city.
“Leave your cars at home. Aim to use public transportation,” said Philip Eng, general manager of the MBTA. “Let us do the driving.”
Officials said visitors should expect street closures, parking restrictions, and enhanced security measures along the waterfront during the weeklong event.
