Operation Sail’s 1976 Bicentennial Grand Parade featured 16 square-rigged school ships.
The parade marked the United States Bicentennial, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Tall ships from several countries gathered in New York Harbor on July 4, 1976, creating one of the most visually memorable maritime events of the anniversary year.
The 16 vessels were the principal tall ships listed in the official program. They were joined by 113 supporting vessels, meaning the complete Op Sail fleet was much larger than the headline group of square-rigged school ships. This distinction is a common source of confusion when counting the ships involved.
Operation Sail was created to promote international goodwill, maritime history, and sail training. Its 1976 event also helped establish a tradition of linking major American anniversaries with international fleets and public ship parades.