Tall ships arrive in New Jersey for the Semiquincentennial parade
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An international fleet of tall ships arrived off the coast of New Jersey on Friday to celebrate America’s Centennial.
Organizers and officials met at Sandy Hook to determine the scope of the historic “Sail 4th 250” commemoration.
“Nearly 250 years ago, Sandy Hook was where George Washington’s army drove the British from New Jersey,” said Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a former naval officer. “The last British ships of the Revolutionary War set sail from this day.”
The tall ship Bowdoin cruises along the East River during a preliminary parade on July 3, 2026 in New York City. (Jeremy Weine/Getty Images)
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The area is also home to the country’s oldest continuously burning lighthouse, which has guided sailors since 1764.
The area is currently protected as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, a 27,000-acre national park that spans New York and New Jersey and welcomes more than 9 million visitors annually.
The tall ship Lynx passes under the Manhattan Bridge along the East River during a pre-parade on July 3, 2026 in New York City. (Jeremy Weine/Getty Images)
YOSEMITE STARTS ON THE HIGHLIGHT OF GRAND CANYON AMERICA’S 250TH NATIONAL PARK CAMPGROUNDS
Nearly 20 countries sent their highest-quality tall ships to join the celebration; ships came from as far away as Italy, India, Peru, Poland, Spain and Sweden.
The legendary US Coast Guard cutter Eagle, taken from Nazi Germany as war reparations, will lead the official parade of ships.
It is the only active square-sail ship in federal service and has been used by every Coast Guard Academy cadet.
New Yorkers watch the Liberty Clipper sail across the East River during a preliminary parade in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on July 3, 2026. (Jeremy Weine/Getty Images)
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The presence of international teams represents something much deeper than a simple tourist attraction, Sherrill said, noting that the event is a testament to the power of global security alliances.
“America never fights alone because we fight alongside our friends and allies,” Sherrill said. “It is a great pleasure for us to be here today, celebrating this with all our allies and friends.”
Planning for the monumental maritime review has been underway since April 2020, when organizers first began coordinating with foreign military attachés, according to Christopher O’Brien, president of Sail 4th 250.
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The main festivities will begin on Saturday morning and include the Tall Ships Parade, International Naval Review and a coordinated International Air Review.
“Fifty years ago people were lined up at the Hudson River cheering [on] “Hundreds of ships will come from all over the world,” Sherrill said, referring to the country’s Bicentennial celebrations in 1976. “This week, millions of people will take part in another massive boat parade, united by a shared love of our country, pride in our history and hope for the future.”
