Long Islanders who head into Greenport a day or two early for the Fourth of July weekend kickoff may get to see the ships come sailing in. Once they are docked for the duration, festival visitors can tour the ships, take in their soaring masts and grand structures and learn about their roles in seafaring history at Tall Ships America 2015, which spans from July 4-7.
The festival will feature six tall sailing ships, five of which will be docked in the harbor for all four days. The headlining ship will arrive later at the close of her trans-Atlantic journey, offering tours on July 6 and July 7. This fashionably late maritime star is an exact replica of the famed Hermione, the 145-foot long frigate that transported French General Marquis de Lafayette to the United States during the American Revolution in 1780. History buffs and fans of the television series "Turn: Washington’s Spies," won’t want to miss this boat. The other five ships expected are the Lynx and the Picton Castle, both of which were featured at Greenport’s 2012 Tall Ships festival, as well as the Kalmar Myckel, the A.J. Meerwald and the Sagres.
In addition to tours of these impressive vessels, Greenport harbor village will be bustling with activities. The historic blacksmith shop will be opened to the public, Mitchell Park will be featuring live musical performances and kids of all ages will engage in a whirl on the park’s vintage wooden carousel. The streets will be lined with vendors of foods and crafts, and a nearby carnival will be in full swing. Complete your local nautical education by touring the East End Seaport Museum. After dark, the skies will illuminate with a fireworks spectacle in celebration of Independence Day on Saturday and again on Sunday.
No visit to Greenport is complete without taking a break to indulge in culinary appreciation at Noah's, Scrimshaw or the Frisky Oyster, or perhaps the classic summer delights of steamers and a lobster roll at the historic Claudio's Restaurant is calling your palate. Be sure to order the official cocktail of the Tall Ships America 2015 festival, which will be served at many of Greenport's eateries. In a quest to conjure the official drink, a competition was held at Noah's, where local bartenders put their creative mixology talents to the test. The winning cocktail, named the Maquis de Lafayette, was concocted by Dan Dhoctor, the bartender of the Soundview Restaurant. If a cold brew is more in line with your idea of a refreshing beverage, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company has you covered as they unveil an ale brewed specially for this maritime occasion.
Another attraction for Saturday and Sunday will be excursion tours to Bug Light, the 158-foot tall, active lighthouse that is situated in Gardiner's Bay off of Orient Point. Its original incarnation was built in 1871 and remained active until 1945. The structure was destroyed by a fire in 1963, but the foundation remained, and in 1990, efforts were made to reconstruct the two-story house with its crowning lighthouse tower. Bug Light was lit once again in 1993 and has continued to serve as an automated navigational aid, its flashing beacon welcoming ships from up to eight nautical miles out into the sea and guiding them to shore.
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.greenportvillage.com/tall-ships-2015/
For Long Islanders seeking a unique way to celebrate their July Fourth weekend, your ships have come in. Given Greenport's whaling history that dates back to the 1700s, combined with the historic sail made by General Lafayette aboard the Hermione in his quest to assist General George Washington in winning our war for independence, the Tall Ships 2015 makes a fitting tribute and celebration.
The festival will feature six tall sailing ships, five of which will be docked in the harbor for all four days. The headlining ship will arrive later at the close of her trans-Atlantic journey, offering tours on July 6 and July 7. This fashionably late maritime star is an exact replica of the famed Hermione, the 145-foot long frigate that transported French General Marquis de Lafayette to the United States during the American Revolution in 1780. History buffs and fans of the television series "Turn: Washington’s Spies," won’t want to miss this boat. The other five ships expected are the Lynx and the Picton Castle, both of which were featured at Greenport’s 2012 Tall Ships festival, as well as the Kalmar Myckel, the A.J. Meerwald and the Sagres.
In addition to tours of these impressive vessels, Greenport harbor village will be bustling with activities. The historic blacksmith shop will be opened to the public, Mitchell Park will be featuring live musical performances and kids of all ages will engage in a whirl on the park’s vintage wooden carousel. The streets will be lined with vendors of foods and crafts, and a nearby carnival will be in full swing. Complete your local nautical education by touring the East End Seaport Museum. After dark, the skies will illuminate with a fireworks spectacle in celebration of Independence Day on Saturday and again on Sunday.
No visit to Greenport is complete without taking a break to indulge in culinary appreciation at Noah's, Scrimshaw or the Frisky Oyster, or perhaps the classic summer delights of steamers and a lobster roll at the historic Claudio's Restaurant is calling your palate. Be sure to order the official cocktail of the Tall Ships America 2015 festival, which will be served at many of Greenport's eateries. In a quest to conjure the official drink, a competition was held at Noah's, where local bartenders put their creative mixology talents to the test. The winning cocktail, named the Maquis de Lafayette, was concocted by Dan Dhoctor, the bartender of the Soundview Restaurant. If a cold brew is more in line with your idea of a refreshing beverage, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company has you covered as they unveil an ale brewed specially for this maritime occasion.
Another attraction for Saturday and Sunday will be excursion tours to Bug Light, the 158-foot tall, active lighthouse that is situated in Gardiner's Bay off of Orient Point. Its original incarnation was built in 1871 and remained active until 1945. The structure was destroyed by a fire in 1963, but the foundation remained, and in 1990, efforts were made to reconstruct the two-story house with its crowning lighthouse tower. Bug Light was lit once again in 1993 and has continued to serve as an automated navigational aid, its flashing beacon welcoming ships from up to eight nautical miles out into the sea and guiding them to shore.
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.greenportvillage.com/tall-ships-2015/
For Long Islanders seeking a unique way to celebrate their July Fourth weekend, your ships have come in. Given Greenport's whaling history that dates back to the 1700s, combined with the historic sail made by General Lafayette aboard the Hermione in his quest to assist General George Washington in winning our war for independence, the Tall Ships 2015 makes a fitting tribute and celebration.