Tall ships, naval armada, thousands of sailors to descend on NYC for Fourth of July weekend
The Coast Guard Cutter Barque Eagle prepares to dock at the Intrepid Museum Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. The Eagle, also known as “America’s Tall Ship,” is among the scores of tall ships and military vessels coming to New York this week. Credit: Craig Ruttle
The largest flotilla of tall ships in recent history is coming to New York City this week to celebrate America's 250th birthday, along with hundreds of aircraft and 20,000 sailors, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Sunday.
More than 30 U.S. and allied navy ships also will anchor in New York, with close to 200 aircraft flying overhead, according to Hochul. The celebrations will coincide with this year’s Fleet Week, a tradition where actively deployed U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard members dock in the country’s major cities.
"You will see New York like you’ve never seen before ... Vessels from places like Italy, Peru and India," she told reporters at a news conference. “To the 20,000 sailors coming to New York, ‘Welcome. This is your home.’ ”
For those of a certain age, the sight of an armada of tall ships and military vessels in New York Harbor will bring back memories of July 4, 1976. On that Independence Day, which marked the nation's 200th birthday, hundreds of tall ships and military vessels crowded into the harbor for the bicentennial celebration.
Organizers have estimated the various events, which begin Friday and continue through July 8, could generate as much as $2.85 billion in economic activity for the region, according to a previous Newsday story.
A 2025 analysis by the New York City Economic Development Corporation estimated 6 million visitors, including 451,000 people expected to stay at least one night in the city, Newsday reported.
"It is going to be spectacular," Hochul said Sunday.
Those looking to see the grand display can reserve free tickets online at sail4th.org, the nonprofit group organizing the event. Sailors hailing from Maine to Colombia and Germany will lead a range of tours, cruises and parades.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, ship enthusiasts can view a flotilla of tall ships gathering at Governors Island. The parade will sail up the Hudson River from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge.
Gov. Kathy Hochul making the America250 announcement Sunday. Credit: Governor's Office /Darren McGee
Leading the parade is the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, a 295-foot long sailing vessel known as "America’s Tall Ship." Its tallest mast is about the height of a15-story building.
Free public viewings of the docked ships will run through July 8.
City officials are doubling down on counterterrorism measures, drone surveillance and overall security over land and water, Hochul said. She also warned New Yorkers about the extreme, "potentially deadly" heat expected to hit the area this week. Temperatures on Friday may reach triple digits, according to the National Weather Service.
Long Island will have its own signature take on the country's 250th birthday: FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach. The event includes a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The air show is set to take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Sunday and Monday.
The Empire State Fair will run from Friday through Sunday at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum parking lot in Uniondale. The U.S. Navy band will perform at a Navy and Marine helicopter landing in Eisenhower Park on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Macy’s 50th annual fireworks show will take place in the city on Saturday at 8 p.m.
'They have plenty of time to get him if they want to' NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa sat down with Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. to discuss what it was like holding the Gilgo Beach serial killer in custody, Heuermann's penchant for Jack the Ripper and what his future likely looks like in state prison.
'They have plenty of time to get him if they want to' NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa sat down with Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. to discuss what it was like holding the Gilgo Beach serial killer in custody, Heuermann's penchant for Jack the Ripper and what his future likely looks like in state prison.
