A monumental celebration for America’s 250th birthday is coming to our area and New Jersey will have a front-row view. Sail 4th 250 will bring the largest-ever fleet of tall ships and gray hull ships from around the world past the Statue of Liberty and into New York Harbor for 4th of July weekend. You can catch the incredible procession from spots along the NJ waterfront and even head into New York for free public ship tours.
The event kicks off around 1 pm Friday, July 3, when Class B tall ships from around the world will sail down the East River from Hell Gate Bridge to Gravesend Bay in Brooklyn. Boats from countries like Argentina, British Virgin Islands, Germany, India, Monaco, Peru (which has the largest ship) and Romania will join U.S. warships like the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, the Ticonderoga, the Harvey Gamage and the Liberty Clipper. There will be a flyover by the Blue Angels.
Then, starting around 9:30 am on Saturday, July 4, 40 tall ships will sail about 15 miles under the Verrazano Bridge, along the Hudson River, up to the George Washington Bridge.
You’ll be able to see the massive ships from spots along the northern Jersey shoreline (like Jersey City, Hoboken and Fort Lee).
The presentation will include a special partnership with the U.S. Navy, which is holding events for July 4th in the Port of New York & New Jersey – including the Seventh International Naval Review on the morning of July 4, a solemn ritual that involves more than 52 U.S. and foreign warships.
Public ship tours will be available from July 5 to 7 from 12 to 6 pm. There will be boats docked at The Sullivans Pier in Staten Island, Brooklyn Bridge Park, South Street Seaport, and Piers 86 and 90 of Sail City in Manhattan. Pier 90 will have the largest collection, housing 11 ships for the week. Tickets are free, but reservations are strongly encouraged. And kids must be 5 or older to board the boats.
From July 3 to 8 you can catch a series of concerts, parades, festivals, historic ship cruises and more throughout the area.
The last time the ships were in the area was during the bicentennial celebration of The Star-Spangled Banner in 2012, but there were nowhere near the 32 international ships and 15,000 sailors expected this weekend.
On July 8 they will begin sailing toward Boston for a Fleet Week of sorts up north.
Here’s where you can catch a glimpse of the flotilla from New Jersey:
Anchored By America’s Best Idea: Celebrating America’s 250th with the Tall Ships at Sandy Hook
Seastreak, Middletown Twp.
July 3
Board a Seastreak charter from Highlands to Sandy Hook to get an up-close view of the tall ships. Once at the Sandy Hook dock, you’ll see views of Sandy Hook Bay from under a sailcloth tent near the historic Post Chapel in Fort Hancock, just a short walk from the dock. There will be a cocktail reception while New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players perform patriotic songs as a brass quintet. On the way back, you’ll again see the largest international peacetime gathering of tall ships in a generation.
Circle Line Cruises America 250 Experiences
Pier 81, New York City
July 3-8
For America’s big birthday, 37 tall ships from more than 20 countries will be sailing into New York Harbor on the Fourth of July, accompanied by a 120-aircraft aerial salute from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. To view on land, Circle Line will hold a Tall Ships Watch Party on July 4. To get a front-row view of the Parade of Sail along the water, opt for various sailing cruises all weekend, plus the signature fireworks cruise on July 4th.
Sailboat Watch Party
RoofTop at Exchange Place, Jersey City
July 4
You’ll have fantastic views of the Tall Ships that are sailing in for America’s 250th anniversary. You can add on a Continental breakfast or cash bar if you’re staying for awhile.
Jersey City Fireworks & Tall Ships
Jersey City
July 4
From the waterfront, you’ll be able to see 60 tall ships and 40 naval vessels sailing by, followed by a large-scale fireworks display over the Hudson River.
Parade of Sail Cruise and Tall Ships Guided Tours
NY Waterway, Weehawken
July 4-7
There are two different cruises that will get you close to the tall ships and military ships coming into NY for Sail4th 250 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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Read More:
Our Guide to America 250 Celebrations Throughout NJ, NY and PA
Fourth of July Celebrations, Festivals, Parades & Fireworks in NJ
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