The world sails in. That will be the reality on Wednesday, June 27 when over 20 ships arrive in Narragansett Bay to begin a tall ships celebration called Amica Insurance Tall Ships® Rhode Island 2007.

The festival lasts from ships’ arrival to Sunday, July 1 when the ships all depart in a Parade of Sail after looping through the lower Bay. 

During their stay June 27-July 1, the ships will be open to the public for free visiting Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am–6pm. The ships will be berthed all along the Newport side of the harbor, as well as at Fort Adams. In addition there will be many other activities. These include an International Village at Storer Park in Newport, a craft and food fair at Fort Adams, soccer games and rallies (inter-ship contests) at Fort Adams, children’s areas at Newport Yachting Center and Fort Adams, and entertainment stages at Bowen’s Wharf, Storer Park Newport, Newport Yachting Center and strolling entertainment along Newport and Fort Adams waterfronts.
The Continental Sloop "Providence"
Photo: Onne van der Wal

Friday evening, in conjunction with the Navy, there is a picnic with band concert at Dewey Field followed by fireworks.  Saturday noon there is a crew and cadet parade with marching bands from one end of the Newport waterfront to the other.

Regular commercial boating will be available for hire for harbor tours and sightseeing. In addition Tall Ships Rhode Island will be running ticketed ferry boats across the harbor connecting Newport and Fort Adams.  A free shuttle bus will also connect the two sides (this will have provisions for wheel chairs or other mobility impaired).

A variety of ships and countries will be visiting, including  a replica of the first Swedish vessel to reach the United States!  Ship types are from full-rigged to brigs and brigantines, schooners and sloops.

It will be a colorful and glamorous occasion, with a solid backing of sail training cruises for disadvantaged youths, an elementary/middle school educational program, and cultural opportunities for our visiting crews and cadets.

For more information and a complete listing of scheduled events, visit the Amica Insurance Tall Ships® Rhode Island website at:  www.tallshipsrhodeisland.org

© 2007 Newport Harbor Guide. All rights reserved.

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