Sixteen tall ships sailed in the main 1976 Operation Sail parade for the U.S. Bicentennial.
The ships represented countries from across the world and gathered in New York Harbor for the grand parade of sailing ships. Each vessel displayed the Bicentennial’s tricolor star insignia, turning the event into both a maritime spectacle and an international celebration.
The figure 16 refers to the principal tall ships in the parade, not the entire Op Sail fleet. The wider 1976 fleet included 113 supporting vessels listed in the official program book. That distinction explains why accounts may give different numbers when describing the event.
Operation Sail’s parade was one of the most visible Bicentennial events in New York. It coincided with an international naval review and formed part of the July 4 celebrations. The event’s international character also reflected Operation Sail’s continuing goals of goodwill, cooperation, and sail training.