Forty Concord-area residents are boarding a narrated cruise in Boston Harbor on Tuesday, July 14, to watch dozens of international tall ships up close, part of a once-in-a-generation celebration of America's 250th birthday.
The Concord Council on Aging organized the group outing, which departs from Care One in Concord at 10:30 a.m. and boards a Charles River Boat Company vessel at Rowes Wharf at 1:45 p.m. The $139-per-person package covers transportation, an early lunch, the narrated Tall Ships viewing cruise, and gratuities. Payment is by check to the Town of Concord.
Tina Close, program coordinator at the COA, is the point of contact for the trip. The tour is capped at 40 participants, and out-of-town guests are welcome. Residents should contact Close at 978-318-3020 to confirm availability. The drop-off point sits about 100 yards from the boat with two steps to board; canes and walkers are accommodated for those who can manage the stairs and the short walk.
A fleet 250 years in the making
Sail Boston 2026 runs Saturday, July 11, through Thursday, July 16, bringing ships from more than 20 countries to Boston's waterfront. It is the largest fleet of tall ships to visit Boston since 2000, according to CBS Boston. The USS Constitution led the Parade of Sail on Saturday, July 11, joined by vessels including Portugal's Sagres, Argentina's ARA Libertad, and Chile's Esmeralda.
Boston is the final stop on the Sail 250 tour, a global maritime celebration that previously docked in New York City from July 4 through July 8. Sail Boston organizers projected more than 4 million visitors over the six-day run. Ships are open for free public tours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Tuesday, July 15, along the Boston waterfront.
The tradition dates to 1976, when tall ships sailed into Boston Harbor for the nation's Bicentennial. They returned in 1992, 2000, 2009, and 2017.
How to connect with the COA
The Council on Aging operates out of the Harvey Wheeler Community Center at 1276 Main St. in Concord. Residents can call 978-318-3020 or visit concordma.gov for the July/August newsletter and upcoming event sign-ups.
Upcoming community events
- Tuesday, July 15 — Group Hikes with Bob White, 9 a.m., Concord
- Tuesday, July 15 — Summer Concert Series at Nashoba Brooks School, 5:30 p.m., 200 Strawberry Hill Rd., Concord
- Thursday, July 16 — Concord Band Summer Concert at Fruitlands: "Boston Liberties," 7:15 p.m., Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, MA
