A striking international gathering of tall ships reached New Jersey’s coastline Friday, opening a rare maritime tribute tied to America’s 250th anniversary.
At Sandy Hook, organizers and public officials came together to detail plans for Sail4th 250, a historic celebration expected to draw global attention to the region’s Revolutionary War legacy.
“Nearly 250 years ago, it was here at Sandy Hook that George Washington’s army drove the British from New Jersey,” said Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a former naval officer. “It was from this day that the last British ships of the Revolutionary War departed.”
The tall ship Bowdoin sails along the East River during a preliminary parade on July 3, 2026, in New York City. (Jeremy Weine/Getty Images)
Sandy Hook’s maritime significance extends beyond the Revolution. The peninsula is home to the nation’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse, a beacon that has helped guide sailors since 1764.
Today, the area is protected within Gateway National Recreation Area, a 27,000-acre national park stretching across New York and New Jersey and drawing more than 9 million visitors each year.
The tall ship Lynx sails under the Manhattan Bridge along the East River during a preliminary parade on July 3, 2026, in New York City. (Jeremy Weine/Getty Images)
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About 20 countries are taking part in the commemoration, sending some of their finest tall ships from across the world, including vessels from Italy, India, Peru, Poland, Spain and Sweden.
The legendary U.S. Coast Guard cutter Eagle, which was acquired as a war reparation from Nazi Germany, will lead the official parade of ships.
It is the only active square-rigged sailing vessel in federal service and has been sailed by every Coast Guard Academy cadet.
New Yorkers watch as the Liberty Clipper sails along the East River during a preliminary parade on July 3, 2026, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Jeremy Weine/Getty Images)
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Sherrill said the presence of the international crews represents something far deeper than a simple tourist attraction, noting the event is a testament to the strength of global security alliances.
“America never fights alone because we fight alongside our friends and allies,” Sherrill said. “Today, it’s a joy to be here to celebrate with all of our allies and friends.”
Planning for the monumental maritime review has been underway since April 2020, when organizers first began coordinating with foreign military attachés, according to Christopher O’Brien, president of Sail4th 250.
The main festivities will kick off Saturday morning and will include the Tall Ships Parade, International Naval Review and a coordinated International Aerial Review.
“Fifty years ago, people lined the Hudson to cheer [on] hundreds of ships from around the world,” Sherrill said, referring to the country’s 1976 bicentennial celebration. “This week, millions will turn out again for another massive boat parade, united by a shared love of country, pride in our history and hope for the future.”
