A Tall Order

The Tall Ships are indeed coming.

After some measure of controversy, the grand vessels will make their way into Boston Harbor this week, and some of the ships will be available for public viewing. Of course, just two months ago, their arrival was up in the air. Boston city officials had delivered a bill for $1.1 million to non-profit Sail Boston organizers to cover safety and security measures, a tab that was ultimately picked up by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.

So indeed, for five days beginning Wednesday, their grandeur will be on display. The 13 ships open to the public will be located at the Charlestown Navy Yard (Pier 1 and Pier 4), Fish Pier, and the Seaport World Trade Center. Public access to the piers is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Sunday at the Charlestown Navy Yard. At Fish Pier and World Trade Center, public access is from 5 to 10 p.m. Spectators can board the ships at the discretion of the captain.

Nearly 30 other ships will be privately docked, and only viewable from a distance at locations including Rowe’s Wharf, the Cottage Park Yacht Club, and the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse.

For a full list of events surrounding the arrival of the Tall Ships, see Sail Boston’s web site.

Photo © Sail Boston