BOSTON – Member agencies of the 2009 Sail Boston Executive Steering Committee are completing final preparations as Boston gears up to welcome back Tall Ships for the first time since 2000.
Boston is an official port call of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge, a five-leg race and cruise in which many of the expected Tall Ships are participating. Those ships will be sailing from Charleston, S.C., and arriving in Broad Sound outside Boston Harbor between Monday, July 6 and Wednesday, July 8.
The public will have opportunities to view the vessels from the pier, and tour some of the ships between Thursday, July 9 and Sunday, July 12 at Charlestown Navy Yard, the Seaport World Trade Center, and the Fish Pier. Although vessels will be moored in other areas, including Rowes Wharf, Fan Pier, the Moakley Courthouse, and Battery Wharf, they will not be open for the public to board.
A formal Parade of Sail will not be held, but instead, the Tall Ships will arrive independently with no set schedule.
For more information on the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge, pier access hours and a detailed event schedule, visit the Sail Boston 2009 website at http://www.sailboston.com/.
All vessels planning to view the Tall Ships in Boston Harbor are asked to follow a Vessel Traffic Plan established specifically for Sail Boston 2009. This plan is posted on the Sail Boston website and will be enforced by Coast Guard, State of Massachusetts, and City of Boston law enforcement assets positioned throughout the harbor.
The boating public is asked to not operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, follow the established on-water traffic plan, and show proper courtesies to other vessels and the Tall Ships.
“Many Federal, State, and City agencies have worked hard preparing to host the Tall Ships,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ron Catudal, a Coast Guard project officer. “We are thrilled that the public will have an opportunity once again to view these beautiful ships from around the world. It will be a great four days and we encourage everyone coming out on the Harbor for the event to prepare for a safe and memorable experience. Boaters are encouraged to ensure all of their safety gear is onboard, including lifejackets for themselves and especially children. Obeying good seamanship and filing a float plan with someone who will know their intended voyage is strongly advised.”
