Tall ships from around the world arrive in New York City for July 4

Crowds packed the Hudson River waterfront on Saturday as the Sail4th 250 International Parade of Sail marked the nation’s semiquincentennial with a procession of tall ships, military vessels and aerial flyovers.

Tall ships from more than 20 nations, including Italy's Amerigo Vespucci, Argentina's Ara Libertad and Peru’s Bap Union, graced the Hudson River. Some boats in the parade will be on display and open for tours in piers along New York Harbor from Sunday through Tuesday.

By 9 a.m., the scene was already set at The Battery, where scores of people streamed in to claim vantage points under muggy, fast-rising temperatures.

Oscar Montes, visiting from Albuquerque with his wife, Natalia, arrived about an hour early to celebrate both Independence Day and his 52nd birthday.

“Today it’s all about America — and me,” Montes said with a laugh. “We're here for the military parade and the tall ships. I don't think I've ever seen a tall ship other than on TV. Now we get to see the actual tall ships."

But their early arrival did not guarantee a clear view. The couple said docked ferries partially blocked their sightlines along the shoreline.

Farther north at Pier 40, a crowd gathered as behemoth boats slowly sailed in the Hudson. A formation of helicopters — including one carrying a large American flag — roared overhead, drawing cheers and applause from spectators below.

Among them was Jeff Cai, a New York University student who came to the United States from China six years ago. He said he learned about the event online and wanted to experience the milestone Fourth of July celebration.

“Especially here in New York, I’ve seen so many things,” Cai said. "Especially those special events ... famous places and different cultures."

By midmorning, the parade was in full swing. Massive ships outfitted with towering masts and sails were greeted by a steady stream of onlookers lining the waterfront.

A light breeze offered occasional relief, carrying mist from ships spraying water into the air.

Dahjmer Ashley, 22, stood among the crowd taking in the spectacle. A Queens native who moved to Georgia as a child, Ashley said this Fourth of July marked his first time back in New York City.

"Seeing the boats on the water, the view, the buildings and everything, you get to see a whole bunch of different stuff," Ashley said.

For others, the day carried echoes of past celebrations.

David Italiaander, originally from Merrick, said he attended the nation’s Bicentennial festivities in 1976, watching from a friend’s high-rise apartment overlooking the water when he was 26.

"They were on the 26th floor. We had a little party and had an incredible view of everything," he said. "We were living in the city, so it was just another party — a pretty good party. “

Now living in New Jersey, Italiaander said he was compelled to return for the 250th anniversary, despite the oppressive heat and a last-minute change of plans after his tickets to bleacher seating on Governors Island were canceled due to storm damage. He decided to watch from The Battery.

His wife opted to stay home because of the weather.

"She thinks I should be too, and I probably should, but ... I want to see the flyover," Italiaander said.

By the afternoon, as the final ships passed and the parade drew to a close, Cristian Bustillo said the parade was an amazing experience, even as he was left wanting more demonstrations from the Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight team. Visiting New York from Honduras for the first time, the event left a strong impression on Bustillo.

“This was amazing,” Bustillo said.