New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Photographs of Tall Ships Celebration in New York Harbor

Operation Sail was a series of sailing events hosted in New York Harbor and the Hudson River in 1964, 1976, 1986, 1992, 2000 and 2012. The gatherings were meant to spread goodwill among nations and to celebrate maritime history and sailing. The 1976 event was a part of the larger United States bicentennial celebration held that year, and included sixteen renovated and historical tall ships from a variety of countries, including the Soviet Union. Together with the United State Navy, Operation Sail also included an international naval review featuring fifty warships from around the world. The event was meant to display New York's ability to host international events and increase tourism.

These records contain photographs of the ships entering the harbor during the 1976 bicentennial celebration. Many photographs feature ships sailing into the harbor with the New York City Skyline in the background. Other highlights include pictures of the ships being greeted by a New York City fireboat spraying jets of water into the air, the celebration on shore, sailing vessels bedecked in lights at night, and prominent locations in New York City such as the George Washington Bridge, Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the World Trade Center.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.