Summary
Even for those who have heard of the tall ships before, it’s likely that many don’t actually know what makes a ship a “tall ship.” This term describes a traditionally-rigged sailing vessel, according to Sail Training International. Tall ships are categorized by type—full-rigged ship, barque, barquentine, brig, brigantine, or schooner—or by Class A, B, C, or D, which describe the ships’ length and rigging.
The Most Recent Tall Ships Regatta
The last event of the Tall Ships Regatta in Boston took place in 2017. It was a historic, 6-day celebration hosted by Sail Boston and was part of the international Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta. This regatta featured stops in the United Kingdom, Portugal, Bermuda, Canada, and France, bringing ships to Boston Harbor from the United States and various other countries, including Germany, Malta, The Netherlands, and Spain. Consequently, the event attracted over 3 million visitors to Boston Harbor.
During the festival, visitors enjoyed the Grand Parade of Sail, which showcased more than 50 ships—a spectacle that Boston had not seen in 17 years. After the parade, the public could board the ships free of charge, making this a particularly exciting moment as Boston was the only participating U.S. port.
2019 Visiting Ships
Although the Tall Ships Regatta does not occur annually, visitors can still experience the grandeur of Tall Ships while in the city. For 2019, one Tall Ship is confirmed—the Rederij Clipper Stad Amsterdam. It is advisable to regularly check Sail Boston’s website for updates on visiting ships each year.
The Stad Amsterdam, a three-masted clipper from the Netherlands, is scheduled to arrive in Boston on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. This ship is a hand-crafted replica of a historic vessel by the same name, featuring advanced technologies. Officially launched in 2000, the Stad Amsterdam participates in Tall Ships Races and other events and also serves as a charter for business occasions.
Where & When to See the Tall Ships
The Stad Amsterdam will be docked at the Fan Pier Marina (1 Marina Park Drive) through Tuesday, April 23, 2019. It will be open to the public for viewing on Sunday, April 21, 2019, from 12 to 4 p.m., although times are subject to change.
For events like the 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, prime viewing locations include nearly any waterfront neighborhood in Boston such as South Boston, the Seaport, North End, Downtown Waterfront, Charlestown, and East Boston.
Castle Island in South Boston is particularly recommended for viewing Tall Ships because it offers a scenic walk along the HarborWalk, alongside ample parking facilities. From this vantage point, visitors can often view the Liberty Clipper or Liberty Star, both charter options sailing around the harbor near Logan Airport. Depending on the timing of your visit, you might also see one of the visiting ships out for a sail!
Nearby Restaurants and Things to Do
Fan Pier, where the Stad Amsterdam will be moored, is located in Boston’s Seaport at 1 Marina Park Drive. This vibrant area boasts several highly-rated restaurants, reflecting the ongoing development of this part of the city. Options near Fan Pier include Committee, Babbo Pizzeria e Enoteca, Strega Waterfront, and the Barking Crab. Furthermore, be sure to visit the new Trillium Fort Point, a local craft brewery that provides an upscale bar menu along with both a rooftop and outdoor patio.
Should your viewing occur from Castle Island in South Boston, consider stopping by Sullivan’s Castle Island, a neighborhood staple serving lobster rolls, hot dogs, and more. Another nearby eatery is Local 149, located about a mile away from Sullivan’s, depending on your location along the HarborWalk.
To discover additional activities nearby, feel free to explore local attractions in Boston’s vibrant Seaport and Fort Point neighborhoods.
