Tall ships are returning to Rhode Island in 2007, and organizers are getting a two-year jump on a major celebration. All of the events will be held in Newport and include public touring of an expected 15-20 tall ships, culminating with a majestic Parade of Sail on Narragansett Bay.

"‘The world sails in,’" said Governor Carcieri. "This is literally what will happen from June 27 to July 1, 2007, when Newport, for its seventh time, welcomes the Tall ShipsÒ fleet to Rhode Island for an international celebration of generous size and unique importance. We know that this event, occurring the week before the Fourth of July holiday, will get our summer off to a rousing start. All of us—Rhode Island residents, business owners and visitors from neighboring states--have the chance to enjoy a rare, rewarding experience and to share in an international salute."

Two tall ships already have committed to participating: Gorch Fock II of Germany and Tarangini of India. Both are designated Class A, the category for the largest and most magnificent of the vessels. Gorch Fock II, at 293 feet, is a three-masted square-rigged barque used as a training vessel for the German Navy. It is a sister-ship to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Eagle, which berths in New London, Conn., and is also expected to participate in the event. Tarangini, also a three-masted barque, measures 177 feet and provides character building and sail training for officer cadets of the First Training Squadron and officers/sailors in the Indian Navy.

"This is the earliest we have ever had two ships commit and so many others indicate that they are working hard to accommodate this festival on their schedules," said Vice-Admiral Thomas R. Weschler (ret.), who, with Captain Eric J. Williams, USCG (ret.), co-chairs Tall Ships Rhode Island 2007. "There are several good reasons for this."

The event will be held in conjunction with the international Naval Command College's 50th Reunion for all classes graduated, including the first class in 1957. The Naval Command College is the senior international course at the U.S. Naval War College.

"This will be a powerful magnet for attracting the world’s finest tall ships, as several nations will participate in the event with senior officers aboard or planning to join in Newport," said Weschler. "Additionally, the American Sail Training Association has coordinated its East Coast TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE Series to be held in conjunction with Tall Ships Rhode Island 2007, another favorable factor in attracting vessels from across the country and around the world." One of the series events is the State of Virginia's celebration of the Quadricentennial of the Founding of Jamestown in 1607, to be held earlier in June before the Newport event.

"The last and perhaps best reason," added Weschler, "is that there have been six Tall Ships events in Newport, going back to 1976. Each has been a success, and the ships and crews know Newport and know they will be well taken care of here."

Also planned are special programs surrounding the festival, including an International Village and associated Americana, crew/cadet sports events, an integrated youth program (including a special classroom curriculum during the months that the ships sail toward Newport), fireworks in conjunction with the Navy, a street parade for crews and cadets, and a black-tie Tall Ships Ball held jointly with the Preservation Society.

"Many of these programs are resurrected from past Tall Ships events we’ve hosted," said Captain Williams, who has worked with Weschler on the last two Newport visits. "As far as new twists, we are most excited about the International Village at Fort Adams State Park," said Captain Williams. "Food, entertainment and exhibitions geared to families will reflect the ethnic diversity and maritime heritage of the countries participating. For our international guests, we will include three pavilions to showcase that same diversity within America. Representing Texas, New England and Hawaii, they will host a BBQ, a clambake and a luau."

Williams also emphasized that the intent is for the ship tours to be free to the public. Venues for viewing the ships will be the downtown Newport waterfront, Fort Adams State Park, Goat Island, the Newport Yachting Center, and the State Pier. Most of the ships will be dockside for easy public boarding, with some of the larger ships anchored off Goat Island with transportation arranged.

Successful parking plans from the last two Tall Ships events will be applied, with arrangements made for cars to park outside of town and visitors to shuttle in by bus. Water taxis also will be utilized so that travel to Fort Adams can be accomplished easily.

As a non-profit organization, Tall Ships Rhode Island 2007 is looking for volunteers and sponsors and will donate any revenue over expenditures to youth programs, sail training and family services.

For more information, visit www.tallshipsrhodeisland.org or call 401-841-0080 [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]