Join us for the 2024 Sail Portsmouth festival from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28. This year’s event features the return of the iconic U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, along with the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey and the S/V Denis Sullivan. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting weekend in Portsmouth, NH

Festival Highlights

Parade of Sail

Date and Time: Friday, July 26, 9:00 am – 11:30 am

Kick off the Sail Portsmouth festival with the stunning Parade of Sail on the morning of July 26. Watch as the majestic tall ships sail into Portsmouth Harbor, accompanied by recreational and commercial boats, the city’s fireboat, a Navy tug from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and Portsmouth’s own tall ship, the Gundalow Piscataqua. This spectacle is timed to coincide with the day’s tides and weather conditions.

Tall Ship Tours

Dates: Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: State Pier, Portsmouth, NH

The USCGC Eagle will be docked at the state pier in Portsmouth and open for free public tours. Explore this historic ship and learn about its storied past. Enjoy a dockside maritime tent featuring educational booths, live entertainment, food vendors, children’s activities, and even roaming pirates.

Special Sailing Opportunities

Sail Aboard Ernestina-Morrissey and Shining Star

Dates: July 25 – 28
Location: University of New Hampshire Pier, New Castle, NH

Experience sailing aboard the Ernestina-Morrissey or the M/V Shining Star during the festival. Join the crew in hoisting sails and steering the ship, and learn about the schooner’s history. The Parade of Sail aboard these vessels is a unique opportunity to be part of the maritime tradition.

• Ernestina-Morrissey Parade of Sail: Departs from UNH Pier at 9:00 am on July 26. Tickets are $88 per person.
• M/V Shining Star Parade of Sail: Departs from Kittery Town Dock at 8:00 am on July 26. Tickets are $60 per person.
• Schooner Denis Sullivan One-Way Trip to Boston: Departs on July 27. Tickets are $155 per person.

Inclusive and Accessible Sailing

Gundalow Piscataqua

The Gundalow Piscataqua offers sails accommodating people with mobility challenges. Book your sail by calling (603) 433-9505 or visit gundalow.org.

Supporting Maritime Education

The Sail Portsmouth festival supports the Sea Challenge Scholarship Fund, providing local high school students with a week-long tall ship experience. This unique program offers teens the chance to learn about maritime history and life at sea. The 2024 Sea Challenge will take place from July 19 to 26.

Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities

The festival relies on volunteers to make the event a success. A volunteer training session will be held on Sunday, July 14, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Music Hall Lounge on Congress Street in Portsmouth. Interested individuals can register at sailportsmouth.org/become-a-volunteer.

Event Information and Tickets

For more details, schedules, and to purchase tickets, visit sailportsmouth.org. Join us for an unforgettable weekend celebrating the rich maritime heritage of Portsmouth!

Sail Portsmouth 2024: Bringing the Magic of Tall Ships to New Hampshire
“Experience history, adventure, and the timeless allure of the sea.” – Robin Comstock, Sail Portsmouth Board of Directors