America's 250th Anniversary  Β·  Sail4th 250  Β·  July 3–8, 2026

30 Tall Ships.
One Skyline.
Front Row Seats.

The largest tall ship flotilla in American history sails into New York Harbor this July 4th.
The best view? From the deck of your private charter.

Book Your Charter See the Schedule
30+
Tall Ships
32
Countries
15mi
of Waterfront
6
Days of Events

The Best View Doesn't Come With a Crowd.

Skip the 15-mile line of people craning their necks from the shore. We've got a better idea.

β›΅
Parade of Tall Ships

Over 30 tall ships from 32 countries sail up the Hudson from the Verrazzano Bridge to the George Washington Bridge. You can watch from shore β€” or from the water they're actually sailing on.

✈️
Blue Angels Flyover

A massive formation of U.S. and international aircraft parades over the Verrazzano Bridge, led by the Blue Angels. From the deck of a sailboat with the Manhattan skyline behind them β€” yes, this will photograph well.

πŸŽ†
July 4th Fireworks

Watch the fireworks burst over New York Harbor from the deck of a 40-foot sailboat. No crowds. No parking. No fighting through the subway at midnight. Just the water, the sky, and the show.

Sail4th 250 β€” Event Schedule

Here's what's happening on the water. Your charter can be planned around any of these.

Friday, July 3
Class B Tall Ships Parade
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM  Β·  East River

International Class B vessels parade from Hell Gate Bridge toward Gravesend Bay, Brooklyn β€” the opening act of the week's festivities.

Spectator Anchorages Open
3:00 PM  Β·  NY/NJ Harbor

Free spectator anchorages open for private vessels wanting a prime viewing position for the Naval Review and Parade of Sail.

MAIN EVENT Saturday, July 4  β€”  Independence Day
International Naval Review
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM  Β·  Hudson River

Navy vessels from around the world line the Hudson River in a rare international maritime cooperation showcase.

International Aerial Review & Blue Angels
Morning  Β·  Verrazzano Bridge / Hudson River

A massive formation of U.S. and international fixed and rotary wing aircraft parades over the harbor, led by the Blue Angels.

Five Sisters Cup Tall Ship Race
9:00 AM  Β·  Hudson River

Four sister ships break formation and race toward Boston in the Five Sisters Cup competition.

Sail4th 250 β€” Parade of Tall Ships
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM  Β·  Hudson River

The centerpiece: 30+ tall ships from around the world sail in procession from the Verrazzano Bridge all the way to the George Washington Bridge.

Free Public Tall Ship Viewing
11:30 AM – 4:00 PM  Β·  Multiple NYC Waterfront Locations

Class A and B vessels open for public viewing at Brooklyn Bridge Park, South Street Seaport, Governors Island, Pier 36, Pier 86–92, and Stapleton Homeport Pier.

July 4th Fireworks
Evening  Β·  New York Harbor

Independence Day fireworks over the harbor. This year they have 250 years to celebrate. They'll put in the effort.

Sunday–Wednesday, July 5–8
Public Tall Ship Boarding
July 5–7  Β·  NYC Waterfront Piers

The tall ships open for public boarding at piers across the city β€” a chance to step aboard vessels that have crossed oceans, without crossing an ocean yourself.

Ongoing Festivities & Fleet Presence
July 5–8  Β·  Greater NY Harbor

Concerts, cultural events, and maritime programs continue through the weekend. The harbor remains full of history β€” and looks considerably better than usual from a sailboat.

Full schedule at sail4th.org

Book Your July 4th Charter

Six days of events. Six chances to be on the water. One boat β€” and she fills up fast.

Friday

July 3

Class B tall ships parade down the East River β€” the opening act before tomorrow's main event. An ideal evening departure with the harbor already buzzing.

Sunday

July 5

Tall ship public boarding begins at NYC piers. The fleet is still in port and the harbor is still spectacular β€” with considerably fewer crowds than yesterday.

Monday

July 6

Tall ship tours continue across NYC's waterfront. The crowds have thinned, the weather's still great, and the boats are very much still tall.

Tuesday

July 7

Final day of public ship boarding. One last chance to see the harbor at its most historic before the fleet sets sail for home.

Wednesday

July 8

The fleet begins its departure. Catch the harbor while the tall ships are still in port β€” history, but make it nautical.

  Departing from Liberty Harbor Marina, 10 Marin Blvd, Jersey City NJ  Β·  3-hour private charter  Β·  Up to 6 guests

You're Closer Than You Think.

Liberty Harbor Marina in Jersey City sits right at the mouth of the action. The Parade of Sail runs up the Hudson River β€” straight past your departure point. The Statue of Liberty is a 15-minute sail away. You'll be inside the event, not watching it from a bridge.

  • Direct access to the Hudson River Parade of Sail route
  • 15 minutes from the Statue of Liberty by sail
  • Unobstructed Manhattan skyline views
  • No crowds, no parking, no bus back
Get Directions

America's Turning 250. Book the Boat.

This only happens once. The tall ships won't be back for a very long time β€” and that's a long time to wait for a decent view.

Book Your Date Ask Us Anything