Operation Sail - World's Fair Parade of Ships (1964)

World's Fair Parade of Ships (1964)

The inaugural Opsail was a tie-in with the 1964 New York World's Fair. Operation sail 1964: Four years in the making, Operation Sail is an international effort to promote goodwill and to generate awareness of ships and shipping. It is a dream come true for sailing enthusiasts, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone who is stirred by the sight of a square rigger under full sail.

Many nations maintain sailing ships in this machine age because they believe there is no better way to build character in young men than sail training. It encourages initiative, steadfastness, leadership and personal courage .... the records of the brotherhood of the sea sparkle with innumerable examples of the value of such training. The prestige of having served aboard a windjammer is no small matter.

To reach New York for the July 14 parade up the Hudson River, some of these tall ships will have sailed from their home ports as long ago as early March. Some will have raced from Plymouth, England, to Lisbon, Portugal, then 3000 miles across the Atlantic to Bermuda rendezvous, and a 630 mile northwest run, in company, to New York.

These ships are specifically built for training under sail. As these tall ships plough the oceans, the men who man this great fleet are helping to forge a bond of understanding and mutual respect around the world. As you visit the ships and talk with their officers, crews, and trainees, consider the thirteen participating nations, the thousands of people involved in such a gathering, the countless man hours spent in preparations which have resulted in this great spectacle OPERATION SAIL.

  • July 12: Ships anchor in designated order in Gravesend Bay.
  • July 13: 1430- Captains briefing aboard USCG 1730-2000: Reception at Chase Manhattan Bank.
  • July 14: 1100- Ships will depart Gravesend Bay and pass official reviewing vessel, U.S.S. Randolph, and then proceed to anchorages below the George Washington Bridge.
  • July 15: Ships move to assigned piers. 1400- Lifeboat races at U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point. 1800- Commandant USCG reception.
  • July 16: 1200- Ticker tape parade from Battery Park to City Hall. 1400-1800- Ships open to Public.2000-0100- Grand Ball, Holland America Line Pier 40, and seamen's Church Institute.
  • July 17: 0900- Captains Symposium, Maritime Exchange. 1000-1800- Ships open to public. 1215- American Institute of Marine Underwriter's luncheon for Captains at India House.
  • July 18: World's Fair Day, Singer Bowl. Public invited. 1000-1800 Ships open to Public.
  • July 19: Divine Services Ships Depart.

(Taken from Operation sail guide book 1964.)

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