Tall Ships begin historic Boston parade of sails

ABOARD THE BARCHETTA – In a prelude to history, the Tall Ships are assembling in Boston Harbor as The Eagle leads today’s flotilla to meet Old Ironsides.

It’s a day the city won’t soon forget with small boats darting in toward the majestic U.S. Coast Guard ship to snap a watery selfie.

A cool breeze is carrying the ships toward Castle Island for the parade. We’re tailing them all. I’m with Herald staff photographer Stuart Cahill as we follow the pride of nations to the docks.

A flyover is imminent as you witness the choreography planned years ahead come to life.

To our aft is the Mayflower II as it approaches Castle Island. A city tug boats nudged it into place and peeled away to shower the parade in a stream of water from its cannon.

Our past and future is forever tied to this Harbor and it is a fitting tribute today to that economic lifeline. We’re now passing Castle Island!

Two fighter jets just blasted over with the USS Constitution firing off its guns. Amazing!

Full coverage in the Herald! Today, tomorrow and forever Boston!

Reporting via Starlink on the Barchetta (which stands for “small boat,” I had to ask.)