The largest celebration in the history of the Buffalo waterfront, Basil Port of Call:Buffalo, will kick-off with a dramatic Parade of Sail at 3 p.m. on July 4th as 12 tall ships muster in Lake Erie, move under full sail past the landmark 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse
and arrive by 5 p.m. at their docking stations in Canalside, Riverwalk and Erie Basin Marina. Cannons will punctuate the air along with bagpipers from the Erie County
Sheriff’s Irish Pipes and Drums reserve unit, and join The Buffalo Niagara Concert Band, a group of 80 musicians, in salute to a majestic fleet of historic tall ships from
harbors throughout the United States, Canada, Spain and the South Pacific.
Joseph F Basil Sr., Honorary Commodore of the Basil Port of Call Buffalo said, “We are
pleased to work with OneNiagara®, sponsor of the Parade of Sail, Buffalo’s historic maritime treasure. We invite all Western New Yorkers to come and join us for what is
sure to be a once in a lifetime experience.” The historic fire boat, the Edward M. Cotter, will lead the parade, and flotillas of recreational vessels will accompany the ships, but
stay outside the moving safety zone. Diane Quart, chair of the Parade of Sail, and Commodore of the Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club also noted: “America’s Boating Club,
International Order of Blue Gavel, the US Coast Guard, BHSC, and local law enforcement officials who are providing assistance and ensuring the safety of all
concerned, deserve our heartfelt thanks.” – more –
Following the Edward M. Cotter, the sequence of the entering ships begins with host-
port ship, The Spirit of Buffalo, and continues with Niagara, HMCS Oriole, Empire Sandy, St. Lawrence II, Pride of Baltimore II, Appledore IV, Bluenose II, Appledore V,
Denis Sullivan, and the Picton Castle. The NAO Santa Maria is not participating in the Parade of Sail but will await the other ships at Erie Basin Marina.
For those who plan to attend the Parade of Sail, the best vantage to watch the parade in
full is at the Outer Harbor, while Erie Basin Marina, Templeton Landing, Riverwalk, Erie St., and Canalside will all allow for partial viewing. In addition, Lighthouse Point,
another prime viewing area for the parade, will host a patriotic concert, Civil War encampment demonstrations, and children’s activities. Living History stations will
demonstrate period camp life, music, cooking, semaphore signaling and John Baronich’s authentic traveling blacksmith forge, one of only a handful in the country.
Buffalo is a new official Host Port of the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes
2019 race, which includes ten Host Ports in the U.S. and Canada. In conjunction with the arrival of the tall ships, Basil Port of Call: Buffalo, a four-day, family-friendly
celebration of the city’s maritime heritage, will take place at Canalside and along the downtown waterfront. Offering a unique opportunity for adults and children alike to
view, board and explore the vessels, the weekend festivities will feature family activities, live entertainment, historic exhibits, artisan foods and beverages. Paid
Passport ticketing will allow for tall ship boarding; tickets are on sale at participating Wegmans locations and online at TallShipsBuffalo.org
