The international tall-ship parade featured in the United States Bicentennial in 1976 was called Operation Sail.
Often shortened to Op Sail, the event brought large sailing ships from several nations to American waters for the 200th anniversary of independence. The fleet gathered first in New York City on Independence Day and then appeared in Boston about a week later.
The ships created a highly visible maritime spectacle alongside fireworks, parades, reenactments, and other Bicentennial activities. President Gerald Ford participated in the New York Harbor events and reviewed an international naval presence from the guided-missile cruiser USS Wainwright.
Operation Sail is relevant to America250 because maritime displays are again associated with the 2026 anniversary. The 1976 event should not be confused with Fleet Week, a recurring military observance, or with the Declaration’s signing ceremony. Its defining feature was the international gathering of tall sailing ships.