Operation Sail was the 1976 Bicentennial event that brought 16 tall ships to New York for a grand parade of sailing ships. It was one of the most memorable maritime celebrations of the United States’ 200th anniversary.
The participating vessels came from several countries and represented the international character of the Bicentennial. The event’s fleet included well-known ships such as Italy’s Amerigo Vespucci, Norway’s Christian Radich, Poland’s Dar Pomorza, and the United States Coast Guard’s Eagle.
The 16 tall ships were joined by 113 supporting vessels in the Op Sail fleet. Each participating ship displayed a banner featuring the Bicentennial’s tricolor star insignia.
Operation Sail is distinct from the nationwide Bicentennial program itself. It was a major maritime component of the 1976 celebration and provides historical context for planned sailing and maritime activities connected with America250 in 2026.