Tall Ships Festival 2024 in Portsmouth, NH
Experience the Majestic Tall Ships at Sail Portsmouth
Join us for the highly anticipated Tall Ships Festival in Portsmouth, NH, from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28, 2024. This exciting event features the return of the nation’s most famous tall ship, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, along with other historic vessels.
Parade of Sail and Flotilla
Date: Friday, July 26, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Route: Starts at the mouth of the Piscataqua River and ends near the Memorial Bridge
Kick off the Sail Portsmouth festival with a stunning Parade of Sail. Watch as the tall ships, including the USCGC Eagle, S/V Denis Sullivan, and Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, are escorted by hundreds of private pleasure crafts and commercial fishing boats up the Piscataqua River.
Best Viewpoints:
- The Commons, New Castle
- Fort McClary State Park, Kittery
- Four Tree Island, Portsmouth
- Memorial Bridge sidewalk, between Portsmouth and Kittery
Tall Ship Tours
Dates: Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: USCGC Eagle docked at the Port of Portsmouth, 555 Market Street
Explore the majestic USCGC Eagle and other tall ships up close. The tours are free and open to the public, offering a fantastic family-friendly activity. Arrive early to avoid long lines. While waiting, enjoy maritime exhibits, meet 19th-century reenactors from Strawbery Banke Museum, and encounter friendly pirates. Food, drinks, and live entertainment will also be available.
Note: The last tour begins at 4:30 PM, and the ships close at 5:00 PM.
Parking: Available at city garages.
Tall Ship Day Sails
Dates: Thursday, July 25 to Sunday, July 28
Location: UNH Pier, New Castle
Embark on a sailing adventure aboard the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey. Enjoy day sails throughout the festival and take in the scenic views of Portsmouth’s coastline. For an extraordinary experience, join the one-way Sail to Boston aboard the three-masted schooner, Denis Sullivan, departing from Portsmouth on Saturday morning, July 27 and arriving in Boston by dinner time.
Purchase Tall Ship Sails (Day Sails) Tickets: https://sailportsmouth.org/events/
Why Attend?
- Historic Experience: Immerse yourself in maritime history with these beautiful and historic ships.
- Family-Friendly: A perfect event for seniors, their families, active adults, and retirees to enjoy together.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the picturesque views of Portsmouth and the surrounding areas.
- Free Tours: Access the tall ships at no cost, making it an affordable outing.
- Community Event: Engage with the local community and meet fellow maritime enthusiasts.
For those searching for events in Portsmouth, NH, the Tall Ships Festival is a must-see. Located at the Port of Portsmouth, 555 Market Street, the event is easily accessible with ample parking options available at city garages.
Directions:
The Port of Portsmouth is situated at 555 Market Street, offering a central location for festival activities. The UNH Pier in New Castle provides a beautiful starting point for the day sails.
Join Us for Sail Portsmouth 2024
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the grandeur of the tall ships and participate in one of the Seacoast’s most exciting summer events. Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, the Tall Ships Festival promises a weekend of unforgettable experiences. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends to enjoy a celebration of maritime heritage in Portsmouth, NH.
