What event is planned as part of Operation Sail for the United States' 250th anniversary?

Operation Sail plans a 2026 tall-ship gathering as part of the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations.

The event is designed to bring historic and modern sailing vessels to major American ports, with scheduled visits and races connected to the national commemoration. The planned gathering is described as the largest assembly of tall ships since 1976, the year of the U.S. Bicentennial.

Planned port calls include New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York City, and Boston. International vessels listed for participation include Italy's Amerigo Vespucci, Mexico's Cuauhtémoc, and Brazil's Cisne Branco.

Operation Sail has a long association with American anniversaries and maritime celebrations. Its 2026 program connects the country's Revolutionary-era history with naval tradition and international sailing culture.