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Thousands take in splendor of Tall Ships

E-mail|Link|Comments () July 9, 2009 05:55 PM

(Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff)

By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff

Under bright sunlight, with the aroma of hot dogs and fried dough wafting through the air, thousands of people, from babies in arms to the elderly in wheelchairs, flocked to the Charlestown Navy Yard today to the Sail Boston 2009 Tall Ships festival.

Catherine Casey, 8, of West Bridgewater grabbed the helm today of the Amistad, a 129-foot schooner docked at Charlestown Navy Yard. (Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff)

"They're unique, they're big, they're something you never see -- only on TV," said Gianni Romeo, 41, a real estate developer from Sutton, as he stood on the pier near where the Coast Guard barque Eagle was docked.

"It's a beautiful day. One of the few nice days we've had all summer long. That's why we were like, 'Let's go,' " he said.

Randy Stearns, 55, a manufacturing executive from Kansas City, said it was a "fantastic experience to look at all the ships," but he was particularly impressed by a permanent resident of the navy yard, the USS Constitution. "It evokes patriotism, probably more than anything else, the freedoms that come with this country -- a very good feeling, uplifting,"

People milled about Piers 1 and 4, while boats from various police departments scooted in and around the ships in the sparkling water. Harbor cruise ships swung by, and guides could be heard giving tourists a rundown on the festival. Ropes clanked against masts and some of the biggest ships flew hundreds of brightly-colored flags.

"It's going good. The weather's cooperating," said Daniel Moreland, captain of the 180-foot Nova Scotia-based barque Picton Castle. "We're pleased to have people aboard."

"It's about the connection with the sea," he said of the droves of people visiting the ships."There's always been a mystical quality to sailing ships and the sea and the men and women who sail them."

Spectators can visit the seven ships moored at the Charlestown piers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. today through Sunday and board at the discretion of the captain.

Another seven ships are moored at Seaport World Trade Center and the Fish Pier in South Boston, where spectators can visit between 5 and 10 p.m. today and Friday and from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Tours will be offered when the ships are not otherwise booked for private parties. Spectators can also view the ships from their own boats or from commercial vessels that can travel the Seaport waterway between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Additional ships will be moored at Battery Wharf, Rowes Wharf, the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina in East Boston, Moakley Courthouse Dock at Fan Pier, and at Outer Harbor at Cottage Park in Winthrop.

About 40 Tall Ships entered the harbor over the past three days for Sail Boston 2009. A traditional Grand Parade of Sail was scrapped this year to limit crowds and the costs of public safety.

Sail Boston's plans were up in the air for months as organizers struggled to persuade Mayor Thomas M. Menino that they could raise money to support the city's public safety costs. Ultimately, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority decided to contribute $1 million from a fund supported by hotel taxes.

For a full schedule of free public events, visit Sail Boston's website at www.sailboston.com.

(Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff)