FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
MaryBeth Romig: 504-606-8430 | mbromig@neworleans.com
Diana Hernandez: 504-644-7641 | dhernandez@neworleans.com
Kimberly Curth: 504-388-4898 | kimberly.curth@portnola.com
Erik Anderson: 904-251-4219 | erik.s.anderson22.civ@us.navy.mil
NEW ORLEANS MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST CITY TO LAUNCH SAIL 250 EVENTS AS PART OF AMERICA 250 CELEBRATIONS
A full lineup of regional events, cultural programming, and community celebrations will educate, entertain, and engage visitors for this once-in-a-generation tribute to America’s Sestercentennial.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – (Tuesday, February 24, 2026) New Orleans & Company and the Port of New Orleans proudly announces that the Crescent City will serve as the inaugural host city for Sail 250, part of America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the United States' 250th anniversary, with the spectacular Sail 250 New Orleans events taking place May 27-June 1, 2026. Other port cities playing a part of the Sail 250 events following New Orleans include Norfolk, Baltimore, New York City and Boston.
Sail 250 New Orleans will transform the city's iconic Mississippi River waterfront into a magnificent display of tall ships, U.S. naval vessels, and maritime heritage, as the first in a series of events leading up to America's sestercentennial in 2026. This historic celebration will feature an international fleet of ships docked along the riverfront from the Crescent City Connection Bridge to the Poland Avenue Wharf.
“New Orleans is deeply honored to kick off Sail 250, an important part of the national America 250 celebration,” said Walt Leger, III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company. “As one of the world’s great cultural crossroads and home to the Port of New Orleans — a vital gateway connecting global commerce to the American heartland — our city has long stood at the intersection of nations, ideas, and maritime enterprise. There is no more fitting place to begin this momentous national commemoration. We proudly invite visitors from around the globe to experience our remarkable culture while celebrating America’s enduring maritime legacy.”
Along with the majestic tall ships’ flotilla, a diverse array of events, festivities and celebrations will be held across the entire region to educate, entertain and engage audiences from across the country and across all communities. The six-day event will showcase an impressive array of vessels, including the USCG Eagle, the only active square-rigged vessel in U.S. government service; as well as modern naval ships from the U.S. and international navies including Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Uruguay. Visitors can explore these magnificent vessels through free deck tours available daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Rear Adm. Calvin M. Foster, Deputy Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, emphasized the significance of the Navy's participation: "Sail 250 represents an extraordinary opportunity for the U.S. Navy, Marines Corps., and Coast Guard to connect with the American people, and our international partners, as we commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary. The historical significance and advantageous positioning of New Orleans at the southern delta of the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast makes it the perfect launching point for this celebration. All of Louisiana will get a close look at our modern naval capabilities as we honor the enduring relationship between our services and the communities we serve.”
Beth Ann Branch, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, highlighted the economic and educational impact of the event: "Hosting Sail 250 underscores the Port of New Orleans’ continuing significance as a gateway for maritime commerce. This celebration honors our deep nautical heritage while showcasing our modern port facilities and capabilities. The economic benefits for our region will be substantial, and it’s also an opportunity to educate visitors about the vital role ports play in our national security and prosperity. We’re thrilled to welcome these magnificent vessels and their crews to our historic waterfront.”
Fleet Week offers an opportunity for New Orleans to not only celebrate history, but to actively support those who continue to write it. The USO will play a central role during Sail 250 New Orleans, supporting more than 2,000 visiting service members with dedicated programming, entertainment, and daily center operations. “New Orleans is a city defined by its hospitality, culture, and deep appreciation for those who serve,” said USMC Colonel (Ret.) Jason Burkett, Executive Director of the USO of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. “Through concerts, comedy nights, and pier-side welcome events, the USO is proud to extend the warmth of the Crescent City to every service member arriving for Sail 250.” Established on the eve of World War II, the USO remains a living extension of the maritime legacy being celebrated, bridging past and present through direct service to today’s military community.
Mark Romig, member of the Sail 250 New Orleans Host Committee, emphasized the event’s significance: "Sail 250 New Orleans represents a tremendous opportunity to showcase our city and state’s maritime importance and cultural vibrancy on a national stage. This celebration not only honors our country's approaching 250th anniversary but also highlights our city's crucial role in American history and commerce. We've planned an unforgettable experience that will delight locals, visitors, veterans, and servicemembers alike."
Beyond ship tours, Sail 250 New Orleans will feature celebrations throughout the French Quarter and Warehouse District with special events including the Parade of Sail as ships arrive on Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28; fireworks along the riverfront on Saturday, May 30; a Seafood Cookoff at Delacroix/Spanish Plaza with live entertainment, educational exhibits, and local food vendors on Sunday, May 31; and a Blessing of the Fleet on Monday, June 1 as the ships depart.
Visitors can also enjoy maritime-themed activities at local attractions including the National WWII Museum, The Historic New Orleans Collection, City Park, and Audubon Nature Institute, all offering programming during the event.
"We encourage everyone to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour these magnificent vessels for free and participate in the various celebrations throughout the city," added Leger. "This milestone event perfectly embodies New Orleans' spirit of celebration while honoring our significant maritime heritage."
For complete information about Sail 250 New Orleans, including ship locations, tour schedules, and special events, visit www.sail250neworleans.com or www.neworleans.com.
Download images and B-roll at the following link: Sail250.zip.
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About New Orleans & Company
New Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans’ tourism industry. Founded in 1960, our mission is to inspire, promote and encourage travel to our city for the economic, social and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. Our vision is to ensure New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world. For more information, visit us at www.NewOrleans.com or on social media @VisitNewOrleans or @NewOrleansAndCo.
About Sail 250 New Orleans:
Sail 250 New Orleans is the first official maritime event of America250, the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary. Taking place May 27-June 1, the event features tall ships, naval vessels, free public tours, sailing excursions, and maritime celebrations along the Mississippi River.