Operation Sail was a major international fleet parade of the United States Bicentennial in 1976.
Often abbreviated as Op Sail, the event brought tall ships and naval vessels from many countries to the United States. The fleet gathered in New York Harbor on July 4, 1976, where President Gerald Ford reviewed the ships during the national anniversary celebrations.
The parade was not limited to one day or one harbor. After the New York event, many of the tall ships sailed to Boston, where additional Bicentennial activities took place about a week later. The international participation emphasized the United States’ maritime connections and its relationship with other nations.
Operation Sail is sometimes confused with Fleet Week, a recurring naval tradition held in several American cities. It was also distinct from the fireworks, parades, and local festivals that formed the broader Bicentennial program. The 1976 observances culminated on July 4, exactly 200 years after Congress adopted the Declaration.