USCGC Eagle was designated the flagship for Sail250, the 2026 tall-ship celebration connected with America’s 250th anniversary.
Sail250 was organized as part of the maritime observances surrounding the United States Semiquincentennial. Tall ships and other vessels made port calls at New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, New York City, and Boston during the 2026 program.
USCGC Eagle is a United States Coast Guard training barque. It is a sailing ship used to train Coast Guard officer cadets and promote seamanship, leadership, and international goodwill. The vessel was originally built in Germany in 1936 as Horst Wessel and was transferred to the United States after World War II.
Eagle has a long connection with Operation Sail. The ship served as host vessel for earlier Op Sail events, including the 1964, 1976, 1986, 1992, 2000, and 2012 celebrations. Its selection linked Sail250 with that established maritime tradition.