Hudson River Sloop Clearwater to Sail in Sail4th 250 Celebration in New York Harbor
Public Invited to Experience America’s 250th Anniversary Aboard Clearwater During Two Exclusive Tall Ship Sails on July 3 and July 4
BEACON, NY — Hudson River Sloop Clearwater will join tall ships from around the world in NYNJ Harbor this Independence Day weekend as part of the Sail4th 250 celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. As one of the participating vessels, Clearwater is offering two rare opportunities for the public to sail aboard the historic sloop and experience the festivities first-hand from the water on July 3 and July 4.
The event holds special significance for Clearwater. Fifty years ago, the sloop participated in Operation Sail 1976, the international gathering of tall ships that celebrated the nation’s Bicentennial in New York Harbor. Now, as the country marks its Semiquincentennial, Clearwater will once again join a fleet of historic vessels from around the world sailing in New York Harbor.
“For centuries, these waters have been a gateway to the nation and a gathering place for ships from around the world. Events like Operation Sail in 1976 and Sail4th 250 celebrate both our nation’s history and the enduring maritime heritage and vitality of New York Harbor, and it is a privilege to participate.” Stated Board President and Former Clearwater Captain, Samantha Hicks.
“I remember gazing at the tall ships from shore in 1976 and know opportunities like this come along only once in a generation. While thousands of people will watch the tall ships from shore, a small number of passengers will experience Sail4th 250 from the deck of the Clearwater.” Reflected David Toman, Executive Director of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, “To be out on the water, sailing in the fleet of tall ships in New York Harbor will be an unforgettable experience. We are thrilled to share this moment with our passengers and welcome them into participating in a truly historic celebration.”
On Friday, July 3, Clearwater will sail in the Class B Tall Ships Parade in the East River, showcasing mid-sized traditionally rigged vessels from around the world. The sail will board at 10:30am from PortSide NewYork in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and will disembark around 4 pm also at PortSide NewYork. On Saturday, July 4, Clearwater will sail in the Sail4th 250 Parade of Tall Ships, boarding passengers at 5:45am at PortSide NewYork in Red Hook, Brooklyn, with passengers disembarking at the 79th Street Boat Basin in Manhattan around 2pm. Twenty-five $250 tickets are available per sail. Light meals will be served, and rustic restrooms are available below deck.
For full sail information and tickets, visit: www.clearwater.org/sail4-250-parades-in-nynj-harbor/
Press Contact:
Jen Benson, Director of Communications, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
jen@clearwater.org
585-943-7454
About Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
In 1966, folk singer Pete Seeger and a group of activists decided to “build a boat to save the river,” envisioning that a sloop would bring people to the shoreline and inspire a movement to protect the Hudson River. Three years later, Clearwater set sail with a mission to save the Hudson through education, advocacy, and sailing. Today, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater remains resolute in this mission, and to date, more than half a million people have had the life-changing experience of sailing aboard the Clearwater. Learn more: https://www.clearwater.org/
Learn more about Sail4th 250: https://sail4th.org/
Photo: Nick DeWolf
