Six Ships Join OpSail Fleet

OpSail 2012 Connecticut organizers announced today that six schooners have joined the Parade of Sail, which will visit the region in July.

The participating vessels are Wolf from Key West, Fla.; Meerwald from Jersey City, N.J.; the Appledore V from Bay City, Mich.; Spirit, of Essex; and Brilliant and Argia, of Mystic. The ships will join the and Brazil's Navy training ship Cisne Branco.

“We’re thrilled to be able to announce these additional ships coming to New London this summer,” said John S. Johnson, chairman of OpSail 2012 Connecticut, in a press release. “The event is going to be a spectacular celebration of our state’s naval excellence, and our historic maritime tradition. We’re looking forward to announcing more ships and other fun and exciting events around OpSail 2012 Connecticut.”  

Ships participating in OpSail 2012 will visit a number of ports along the Gulf of Mexico and East Coast in a celebration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812. The Eagle will be in New Orleans, La. for the start of the event on Tuesday.

"The OpSail 2000 event was a prominent part of our family's sailing history and we are very enthused at the prospect of taking part in the OpSail experience in New London this summer,” said John L. Sennings, owner of the Spirit. “These are great events for everyone, both participants and visitors.  Connecticut has a great maritime tradition and these large OpSail experiences help bring out that history for all to enjoy."

OpSail will conclude in New London from July 6 to July 9, starting when the ships arrive in East Lyme on the first day. The event will also coordinate with New London's annual Sailfest celebration, and ships from the Navy and Sailfest will dock at City Pier while most OpSail vessels will dock at Fort Trumbull.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.