Sailfest Returns To New London Waterfront This Weekend

An attempt to break the world high-five record, a flotilla of tall ships, fireworks, and plenty of other attractions are coming to the New London waterfront this weekend as Sailfest returns for the 36th year.

Barbara Neff, executive director of the Downtown New London Association, said she has been planning the event since January with a group of volunteers. Events start on Friday with live music at three stages.

The world record attempt, which is being done in cooperation with High 5’s, will take place at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday on Bank Street. It will attempt to break the record for the number of people performing a high five chain. People may register a team at the Sailfest website, and the largest participating team will be eligible for a gift pack from Sailfest and sponsors.

The ships visiting this year include a pair of racing sailboats known as the Stars and Stripes as well as the A.J. Meerwald, a restored oyster dredging schooner and state ship of New Jersey. Both ships will be open for visits as well as sails around the harbor.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods Resort Casino sponsor Saturday’s fireworks display, touted as the fourth largest on the East Coast. Garden State Fireworks puts on the 9 p.m. display over the Thames River, and a live broadcast of the show will be made on 97.7 WCTY, 98.7 WNLC, and 100.9 ROXY FM. A lobster dinner will precede the show at 6:30 p.m. at Fisherman’s Pier in Waterfront Park; tickets are $95 per person or $740 for a group of eight.

The debut of a United States Postal Service stamp featuring the New London Harbor Light will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday under the Custom House Maritime Museum tent. A lighthouse stamp cachet designed by Alan Bentz can be purchased at the event for $5.

This year marks the debut of a Kidsploration stage at City Pier to offer children’s music. Other music venues include stages at the Custom House Pier, Parade Plaza and Hygienic Art Park. Performances will take place at the following times:

• Custom House Pier: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, noon to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday
• Hygienic Art Park: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, 11:35 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday
• Kidsploration stage: 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
• Parade Plaza: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday

The Charter Oak Federal Credit Union five-kilometer road race will start at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday at Citizens Bank on Eugene O’Neill Drive; registration and check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. at Parade Plaza. The route follows Eugene O’Neill Drive, Tilley Street, Bank Street, Howard Street, Willetts Ave., Montauk Ave., Bank Street, Tilley Street, Huntington Street, Governor Winthrop Blvd., and Eugene O’Neill Drive before finishing on State Street. Registration is $25, with a $15 discount for active duty military personnel.

Food vendors, games, and artisans will be set up throughout the festival. The Hygienic Art Outdoor Fine Crafts and Arts Festival will be up on Saturday and Sunday.

Bank Street, South Water Street, and State Street from Eugene O’Neill Drive to Bank Street will be closed to vehicle traffic on Saturday and Sunday. No coolers, backpacks, or strollers will be allowed in Waterfront Park. Organizers also ask that pets be left at home.

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