Sail Boston kept the spirited maritime festivities afloat Sunday, with the tall ships available for public boarding across the city and crowds flocking in to view the historic vessels.
“This is a lot of fun – it’s beautiful out here today,” said Toby Burrell, coming off a voyage onto one of the tall ships with his family – including two young captain hat-wearing grandkids – on a Seaport pier Sunday. … “And for Grandma and Grandpa, it’s a chance to spend time with our little admirals, our little captains.”
After cruising into the Boston Harbor during a massive Parade of Sail on Saturday, 60 tall ships and maritime vessels from around the world were docked at various piers around the harbor Sunday. The boats were open for free public viewing and boarding with most starting at 10 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, welcoming enthusiastic visitors to learn more about their vessels, voyages and history.
The Sail Boston events will continue through Thursday morning, when the ships will sail out of the harbor back to their own docks around the world.
After their own trips onto one of the ships, young Lucas and Nolan with captains hats on top of their blond heads both said they might like to sail one day.
“Some of these kids sailing are 17, 18 years old and one of the ships at the beginning was a training ship for kids to learn how to sail,” said Burrell, who took the T in to see the ships Sunday. “And I think it’s wonderful that they still teach kids how to do that. On the East Coast of the United States, particularly in Boston, this was an important part of our history, the ability to sail ships. I think it’s terrific to see that they still are training kids how to do that.”
Visitors in the crowds sported America 250 and maritime gear along the piers Sunday, getting into the maritime spirit. Some echoed the importance of ships in the countries’ histories.
“It’s just amazing to see all of this historical significance up close and learn about these ships,” said Brett Farley, who came in to visit family and see the ships for the weekend. “A chance like this doesn’t come up often.”
Sail Boston said some of the most popular ships were expected to be Guayas from Ecuador and Gloria from Colombia at Charlestown Pier 11, and Dar Młodzieży of Poland and Mircea from Romania at Charlestown Pier 4.
“Union from Peru is the largest ship in the fleet, and rests at Commonwealth Pier, while Amerigo Vespucci from Italy and Argentina’s Libertad are already delighting crowds at Pier 5 in Boston’s Seaport,” Sail Boston stated, noting Amerigo Vespucci, USCG Eagle, and Gloria will depart Boston early on July 14.
The free Sail Boston festival at 302 Northern Avenue also ran through Sunday night, with live entertainment, food, and the Ferris Wheel set up to overlook the Boston Harbor.
Visitors said this is an exciting time to be in Boston, noting the excitement of the America 250, FIFA and other events.
“It’s been such a busy summer here already,” said Heather Britton, who came from South Boston to see the ships Sunday with her kids. “We’ve been having a great time with all of the visitors, and it’s great to see even more crowds out here with the ships. Everyone seems to be having a lovely time.”
The U.S. Coast Guard also staged a search and rescue demonstration near Boston Station in the North End at 1 p.m., with spectators gathering to see how the lifesaving maritime operations unfold.
Nine-year-old Hailey said she’d never see boats so big as she ate her shaved ice on the Seaport pier Sunday. Her mom said they’d just arrived but were headed to try and board one of the ships docked there.
“They’re so cool,” Hailey said. “I can’t wait to sail!”
The festivities will continue Monday with the Sail Boston festival along the Seaport waterfront and free public boarding of the vessels across various piers from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A parade of around 1,000 sailors and crew members will also take place Monday from noon to 2 p.m., marching 1.3 miles from Leader Bank Pavilion to Christopher Columbus Park.
More information on events through Thursday is available at sailboston.com/events.
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