By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
New York City will mount the nation’s leading America 250th event on July 4th, when it hosts Sail4th 250, the largest parade of tall ships ever assembled. Vessels from 40 nations, including places like Italy, Peru and India, will take part in the parade up the Hudson River, which will be led by America’s tall ship, the US Coast Guard cutter, Eagle. The event is the climax of a series of events taking place July 3-8.
Governor Kathy Hochul appeared at the South Street Seaport Museum with Sail4th 250, which organized the upcoming events, as well as New York City, Navy and Coast Guard officials to detail the July 3-8 plans.
“New York played a pivotal role in America’s fight for independence so there’s no better place to mark the 250th birthday of our nation,” Governor Hochul said. “We remain a beacon of hope and freedom for those around the world, which is why we are excited to welcome the tens of thousands of people who will be visiting our state to celebrate this momentous occasion with us.”
The ships will arrive on July 4 and, led by Eagle, will sail under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge one after the other, with each ship about six minutes apart. They will then travel to the George Washington Bridge, turn and proceed down the river to their respective piers throughout New York City.
The amazing spectacle is expected to last 2.5 hours.
Starting July 5 through July 7, there will be sightseeing cruises and free tours offered of the tall ships around the city. Tour locations include Brooklyn Bridge Park, Sail City, South Street Seaport and Stapleton Park (Homeport Pier Staten Island). To avoid long lines, reservations are highly recommended.
In addition to the tall ship parade and tours, there will be an international aerial review on the morning of July 4 that will feature U.S. and international fixed and rotary wing aircraft that will fly in formation over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, above the Hudson River, and over the tall ship parade. The famed Blue Angels will lead the review.
Prior to the tall ship parade on the morning of July 4, the Acting Secretary of the Navy will board the USS FARRAGUT, and proceed slowly past about 30 U.S. and allied military vessels all at anchor on the west side of the Hudson River. An aircraft carrier, the USS NIMITZ, will also participate in The International Naval Review. The International Naval Review (INR 250) has only occurred six times previously in U.S. history.
The Grand Review of Tall Ships takes place on July 4, 9 am -2 pm. All told, there will be more than 40 tall sailing ships from around the world, more than 30 naval vessels, nearly 200 aircraft, and 20,000 sailors coming to New York.
On the night of July 4, Macy’s will produce its 50th annual fireworks display from four barges in the East River and two near Jersey City.
There are opportunities to enjoy events on July 3, 1-3 pm, when Class B tall ships from around the world will sail down the East River from Hell Gate Bridge to Sandy Hook, NJ.
Free Public Tours
Browse ships by pier, reserve your free tickets, and plan your visit. Public ship tours are available July 5-7 from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand.
The Sullivans Pier (Staten Island)
- ARC Gloria (Colombia)
- BAP Unión (Peru)
- Esmeralda (Chile) – open July 6-7 only
- NOAA Ferdinand R. Hassler (USA)
Brooklyn Bridge Park (Piers 1, 3, 5)
- Sagres (Portugal)
- Sundarshini (India)
- Gorch Fock (Germany) – open July 6-7 only
- Mircea (Romania) – open July 6-7 only
South Street Seaport (Piers 15, 17)
- Pride of Baltimore II (Maryland)
- USCG Eagle (USA)
- Oosterschelde (Netherlands) – open July 5-6 only
Sail City (Manhattan)
Pier 86
(tickets through the Intrepid Museum)
- Amerigo Vespucci (Italy)
- Capitan Miranda (Uruguay)
- Gladan (Sweden) – open July 6-7 only
Pier 90
- Juan Sebastian de Elcano (Spain)
- Belle Poule (France) – open July 5-6 only
- Bowdoin (Maine)
- Dar Mlodziezy (Poland)
- Guayas (Ecuador)
- Juan Bautista Cambiaso (Dominican Republic)
- Lady Maryland (Maryland)
- Libertad (Argentina)
- Lynx (Massachusetts)
- Tabor Boy (Massachusetts) – open July 5 only
- When & If (Maryland)
Governor Hochul announced that there will be enhanced security measures throughout New York, with the State, New York City, the Navy and Coast Guard doubling down on counter-drone operations and security across land and water. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York has issued five Marine Safety Information Bulletins covering waterway restrictions, safety zones and operational guidance for mariners that will be in place July 1 through July 9. The bulletins can be found at the Northeast Coast Guard District’s Local Notice to Mariners website under the special notices section.
In preparation for the historic festivities, New York State in the FY26 budget allocated $2 million to Sail4th 250 plus an additional $350,000 Market NY grant.
Sail4th 250 anticipates there will be six million spectators on 15 miles of waterfront for a total projected economic impact of $2.85 billion, including $730 million net new economic impact for New York City.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said, “New York City helped shape the story of America’s founding, and 250 years later, it remains the place where the world comes together. As we welcome millions of visitors for this historic celebration, we’re proud to showcase the history, diversity, and energy that define our city. I thank Governor Hochul, Sail4th 250, and our many public safety and government partners for bringing this extraordinary celebration to life and ensuring New Yorkers and visitors alike can experience this once-in-a-generation moment.”
U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York, Sector Commander | Captain of the Port, Captain Jonathan A. Andrechik said, “The Coast Guard is honored to be part of this momentous celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. We have worked tirelessly alongside our local, state and federal partners and the port community over the past two years to prepare for this historic event. Our highest priority is the safety and security of participants and the public, while keeping the port operating safely.”
State Director of Major Event Operations Justin Brannan said, “Do it big or don’t even bother. That’s New York. What we are working to execute over a single 24-hour period for this year’s Fourth of July celebration will be absolutely colossal by any standard — the kind of event only New York could dream up — and one worthy of America’s 250th birthday. Through it all, Governor Hochul’s first and foremost priority is public safety and every aspect of our planning has been driven by that commitment. It’s going to be an awesome celebration.”
See also:
New York Historical’s New Tang Wing for American Democracy Couldn’t Have Come at a Better Time
New York State Celebrates America’s 250th
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