Brooklyn Bridge Marina – 159 Bridge Park Dr, Brooklyn, NY 11201
On July 4, 2026, the 1877 ELISSA celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships. Setting the stage with a majestic nautical spectacle and an unforgettable once-in-a-generation event on land, sea, and air. While across the region, festivities and celebrations unfold, educating, entertaining, and uniting communities.
The Official Tall Ship of Texas returns to a port she has visited before, once in 1884 and again in 1986. This historic arrival offers a rare opportunity to experience a living piece of maritime heritage up close. Inviting visitors on board to explore her craftsmanship, stories, and enduring legacy.
APPEARANCE HIGHLIGHTS
FOURTH OF JULY PARADE OF SAIL PASSAGE
7/4 | 5:30 AM – 4 PM | $1,500
Take your place in history on board the Official Tall Ship of Texas. This once-in-a-lifetime experience welcomes you on board the Tall Ship ELISSA as we sail with the fleet into New York’s historic harbor.
NEW YORK HARBOR SUNSET SAIL
7/3 | 5:30-8:30 PM | $500
This special evening sale takes you on board and out into NYC’s historic waters for a special evening sail. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and excitement of the Sail 250 weekend while onboard ELISSA!
DECK TOURS
7/5-7/7 | 12 – 6 PM | FREE
Welcome aboard! The 1877 ELISSA’s crew opens its deck for free self-guided tours daily during the festival. Meet the crew and learn firsthand about the incredible history of the 1877 vessel.
CLASS B PARADE VIEWING PARTY
7/3 | 12:30-3:30 PM | $250
Class B tall ships from around the world will sail down the East River from Hell Gate Bridge to Gravesend Bay, Brooklyn. Enjoy drinks and appetizers on board as we view the parade.
STARS AND SAILS 4th OF JULY PARTY
7/4 | 7:30-10:30 PM | $1,000
Join us as we watch the epic 4th of July fireworks from the best seat in New York, onboard the 1877 ELISSA. Reservations include dinner, drinks, music, and more for a legendary experience.
THE 1877 TALL SHIP ELISSA
Galveston Historical Foundation brought ELISSA, an 1877 square-rigged iron barque, from a scrapyard in Piraeus Harbor, Greece to Galveston to begin restoration work in 1978. By 1982, GHF staff and volunteers completed restoration and transformed this rare, historic vessel into a floating museum that would actively sail. Today, the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA is one of only three ships of her kind in the world to still actively sail and welcomes over 40,000 visitors annually. She also serves as the Official Tall Ship of Texas, a National Historic Landmark, and a symbol of the Gulf Coast’s historic beginnings as a seaport and active waterfront. Learn more here.
