New Orleans is the first scheduled port for OpSail 2026, part of America’s 250th-anniversary celebrations.
Operation Sail, commonly called OpSail, organizes maritime festivals and tall-ship events connected with major American anniversaries. The 2026 program commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence and is planned as the largest gathering of tall ships since 1976, the nation’s bicentennial.
The 2026 itinerary begins in New Orleans from May 28 to June 1. It then moves to Norfolk, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland; New York City; and Boston. Ships from the United States and several other countries are expected to participate.
OpSail is sometimes confused with a single race or one-day parade. In fact, the program includes port calls, maritime celebrations, and races between locations. The New Orleans opening connects America250 with the city’s major role as a Gulf Coast port.