40 tall ships will arrive in Boston next week for public viewing
Some vessels can be boarded
The public will be invited to view about 40 Tall Ships in Boston Harbor and Winthrop at next week’s Sail Boston 2009 and to board ships from piers in South Boston and Charlestown, the Coast Guard announced yesterday.
Seven Tall Ships will be moored at Seaport World Trade Center and the Fish Pier in South Boston, where spectators can visit between 5 and 10 p.m. Thursday 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.
Another seven ships will be moored at Charlestown Navy Yard, where spectators can visit the piers between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and board at the discretion of the captain.
Additional ships will be moored at Battery Wharf, Rowe’s 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.
Ships will enter the harbor over three days, Monday to Wednesday. 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.
Coast Guard Captain John Healey yesterday urged boaters who want to view the ships to expect lines, travel at less than 5 miles per hour, and keep a distance of 50 yards from the Tall Ships.
For a full schedule of free public events, visit Sail Boston’s website at www.sailboston.com.
Stephanie Ebbert can be reached at ebbert@globe.com. 