The Sail Portsmouth Tall Ship Festival Returns to Portsmouth with July 23 Parade of Sail

PORTSMOUTH– Sail Portsmouth is thrilled to announce the return of the Sail Portsmouth Tall Ship Festival to Portsmouth, NH. This signature summertime event brings maritime history to life along the waterfront each year. The festivities kick off with a spectacular Parade of Sail on Thursday, July 23, 2026, marking the start of a weekend of celebration.

This year’s festival will feature the stunning Oosterschelde, a Dutch three-masted topsail schooner, as the official Attraction Vessel. Built of wood just after World War I to carry freight throughout Europe and North Africa, the Oosterschelde now sails the world with passengers aboard and will bring a unique blend of living maritime history and modern adventure to Portsmouth Harbor.

The Parade of Sail will begin at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor and proceed inland, featuring three tall ships—each a three-masted schooner. Joining the Oosterschelde will be the Denis Sullivan, carrying this year’s class of Sea Challenge students on the final day of their voyage, the Liberty Clipper, this year’s featured day-sail ship, and Piscataqua, Portsmouth’s own tall ship, lovingly known as the Gundalow. The vessels will be escorted by a flotilla of private pleasure craft and commercial vessels before docking at the Portsmouth Commercial Fish Pier. Local boat owners are encouraged to join the procession and be part of this grand maritime tradition. Viewing details and recommended vantage points will be shared closer to the event. 

The heart of the festival lies in the popular Tall Ship Tours, held Friday through Sunday, July 24–26, at the Portsmouth Commercial Fish Pier. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to step aboard the Oosterschelde, explore her decks, meet the crew, and learn about life at sea, navigation, and its maritime history. These dockside tours are one of the most anticipated elements of the festival, creating a unique experience for all ages.

Find the full schedule and purchase tickets here: https://sailportsmouth.org/sail-portsmouth-festival/

For those looking to take their experience even further, Sail Portsmouth will also offer Tall Ship Day Sails aboard the Liberty Clipper, this year’s featured Day Sail vessel. Following her participation in the Parade of Sail, the Liberty Clipper will host two-hour sails from the UNH Pier Friday through Sunday, July 24–26.

Additional details on sailing opportunities, schedules, and ticketing will be announced soon. 

From the arrival of the Parade of Sail to immersive dockside tours and on-the-water experiences, the 2026 Sail Portsmouth Tall Ship Festival promises unforgettable moments for residents and visitors alike. 

Event Details:
Parade of Sail: Thursday, July 23, 2026 (late afternoon)
Tall Ship Tours: Friday–Sunday, July 24–26, 2026
Location: Portsmouth Commercial Fish Pier
For ticket information and to learn more about Sail Portsmouth, visit https://sailportsmouth.org.
Volunteer opportunities are available for those who would like to help support the festival and Sail Portsmouth’s programs. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Mary Ann Allsop at mallsop@sailportsmouth.org to learn more about available roles.

About Sail Portsmouth: 
Sail Portsmouth is dedicated to preserving and celebrating maritime heritage by bringing tall ships to Portsmouth, NH. Through engaging events and educational programming, Sail Portsmouth fosters awareness and appreciation of the rich maritime history of the Piscataqua River estuary.