Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $4 Million to Support Sail Boston 2026 as Part of America’s 250th Anniversary  

Boston — As Massachusetts prepares to welcome millions of visitors during a historic summer for the state and nation, the Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced a $4 million investment to support Sail Boston 2026, a landmark waterfront celebration taking place July 11–16, 2026, during America’s 250th anniversary commemorations.  

The investment was announced at Sail Boston 2026’s “What to Know” preview event ahead of the festivities.  

For the milestone occasion of America’s semiquincentennial, Boston Harbor will host one of the world’s largest peacetime gatherings of international tall ships and military vessels as part of Sail250, a multi-state celebration tracing America’s maritime history along the East Coast. Boston will serve as the final port of the historic voyage, welcoming more than sixty ships from over twenty countries and visitors from around the globe during what is expected to be a defining summer for Massachusetts tourism, culture, and international engagement. 

“This summer is a chance for Massachusetts to welcome the world in a meaningful way,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Sail Boston 2026 brings people together around our shared history and our beautiful waterfront, and it’s the kind of experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. We are proud to support this exciting event, and we can’t wait for the Tall Ships to return to Massachusetts.”  

“Sail Boston is one of those truly iconic events that captures both the history and energy of Boston’s waterfront,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As Massachusetts prepares for a summer shaped by major moments like MA250 and the World Cup, investments like this help ensure we are ready to deliver safe, welcoming and unforgettable experiences for millions of visitors from around the country and around the world.” 

The Grand Parade of Sail will serve as the centerpiece of the week’s activities, with tall ships and naval vessels sailing in flotillas from Broad Sound into Boston Harbor, passing some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods before docking at assigned berths. Public viewing is expected to draw large crowds along Castle Island, the Seaport District, the Boston Waterfront, East Boston, the North End, and Charlestown. 

In addition to the parade, Sail Boston 2026 will feature public ship tours, educational programming, cultural events, and fireworks, offering a dynamic and accessible experience for attendees of all ages while celebrating Massachusetts’ longstanding maritime history and traditions. 

“We know that the ships and crew members from around the world love visiting Boston, and we know the people of Boston love visiting the Tall Ships,” said Dusty Rhodes, Executive Director of Sail Boston. “It's an honor to organize an event that engenders such unified goodwill, and we want to thank Governor Healey and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for helping to make this a free event for all to enjoy. We can't wait to welcome everyone on board.” 

“This is about more than a single event, it’s about the long-term impact it creates,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “Sail Boston elevates Massachusetts globally, drives meaningful economic activity, and inspires curiosity that draws new visitors in and keeps them coming back to experience more of what the Commonwealth has to offer.” 

“Events like Sail Boston are what turn a visit into a lasting memory,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “They create moments of discovery, connection, and joy that define how people experience Massachusetts. By investing in experiences like this, we are strengthening our visitor economy and showcasing the very best of our coastal communities.” 

The $4 million award will support infrastructure, public safety, transportation, and operational needs associated with hosting Sail Boston 2026, helping ensure the successful execution of one of the largest public events planned in Massachusetts during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The investment reflects the administration’s broader commitment to supporting major events that drive economic activity, strengthen tourism, and position Massachusetts as a premier destination during a globally significant summer for the state. 

For more information about Sail Boston 2026 visit: https://www.sailboston.com/.  

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism   

Massachusetts is made for nights on the town, days on the trails, and everything in between. The mission of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is to promote Massachusetts as a four-season leisure and business travel destination for domestic and international travelers and contribute to the state’s economic growth. MOTT offers assistance with itinerary planning, familiarization trips, images, and photographs and offers support in providing information to the travel trade, press, and media. To plan your trip to Massachusetts, please go to visitma.com.  

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