Weekend Events Extend New London's Maritime Celebrations

Two events taking place this weekend will offer residents and visitors another opportunity to check out the New London waterfront.

and will offer a range of lighthouse tours, musical and acrobatic performances, and other activities on Saturday and Sunday. This is the second year for Sentinels on the Sound, and the first for Don’t Miss The Boat.

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“Don’t Miss The Boat was designed to enhance the range of free events that are offered on the New London waterfront and broaden the idea of what a New England weekend festival can look like,” said City Council President Michael Passero in a press release. “For people who might have been on vacation during , this event gives them an opportunity to indulge their love of boats while perhaps seeing a few things that are new to them. It’s also a way to keep the momentum and excitement of OpSail/Sailfest going a little longer.”

Sentinels on the Sound

Sentinels on the Sound, which as a celebration of the lighthouse heritage of New London and the region, will offer lighthouse tours on Saturday and Sunday. These tours will also take place on the weekends of August 4-5 and Sept. 1-2.

The following tours are offered, and all of them leave from Custom House Pier:

• Boat trip to New London Harbor Light at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. on both days. The boat will disembark passengers slightly offshore to climb to the top of the light, so visitors should be prepared to get wet. Tickets are $35 for adults and $30 for seniors and children ages six to 12.
• The “Three Sisters” tour at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on both days. This boat tour circles the harbor to give close looks at New London Harbor Light, Ledge Light, and the Avery Point Lighthouse. Tickets are $35 for adults and $30 for seniors and children ages six to 12.
• Project Oceanology tours to Ledge Light at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for children ages six to 12.

Children under the age of six are not permitted on any of these tours. Visitors can reserve a spot by calling 860-447-2501 for the Harbor Light and Three Sisters tours and 860-445-9007 for the Project Oceanology tour.

In addition to these tours, the will visit Parade Plaza on Saturday. The troupe will offer a at 2 p.m. for $15, and those interested can register by calling 860-447-2501. Free acrobatic performances by the Nimble Arts Circus will take place at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at .

will also debut Shasha, a New London native, will exhibit his landscape and seascape works at the museum and an opening reception will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Don’t Miss The Boat

Running in conjunction with Sentinels on the Sound, Don’t Miss The Boat kicks off at noon on Saturday when several mahogany and lapstreak antique and classic boats will be on display at City Pier. The vessels, which will be at the waterfront until 4 p.m., arrive courtesy of the Bay State Woodies, a chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. In addition, the 14-foot miniature tugboat TooT TooT will be at on Saturday and Sunday.

The will offer free tours at City Pier from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Saturday. The schooner will also embark on one-hour sails around the harbor at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The cost is $20 per person, and visitors can sign up at the dock. The Mystic Whaler has already fully booked a Saturday night lobster cruise, but reservations are still available for a Friday night lobster cruise and can be made by calling 860-697-8240.

Musical performers will take to the stage at City Pier starting at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Raise the Rent will perform first, followed by Shaka & The Soulshakers and the Grammy Award-winning group The Rebirth Brass Band.

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