Ships Prepare for OpSail

N E W  Y O R K, July 3 -- Some of the biggest sea craft in the world are gathering for a Fourth of July extravaganza being billed as the largest maritime gathering in history.

Some 150 tall ships from more than 40 countries and more than 25 naval ships from 24 nations are gathering in New York Harbor for an 11-mile military review and tall ship parade up the Hudson River on Tuesday.

The harbor will be crowded with vessels taking part in two maritime events — the International Naval Review 2000 and Opsail 2000.

President Clinton plans to review the military ships from the missile cruiser USS Hue City, then board the USS John F. Kennedy for the tall ships’ “Parade of Sail.”

The nautical convention will be the largest event in the harbor since the 1986 festivities that marked the Statue of Liberty centennial. That event — the fifth InternationalNaval Review — brought together warships from the United States and 13 countries, and naval training ships from 11 nations.

“There’s no question that this will be the largest assemblage ever of tall ships and naval vessels,” said Greg Perrin, an organizer of this year’s event.

Wealth of NationsThe aircraft carrier USS Kennedy joined the armadaSunday, dropping anchor near the Statue of Liberty. Cmdr. Sheila Austin, who will be sailing aboard the USS Kennedy, said the event is “really going to be a fantasticdisplay of patriotism.”

Naval ships from Canada, Ireland, Britain, Ukraine,India, Greece, France, Italy, Brazil, South Africa,Singapore, Turkey and the United States are expected,said U.S. Navy Capt. Woody Berzins, a spokesman forthe International Naval Review.

The weeklong event includes tours of some of theships and a Fourth of July fireworks display billed as thelargest ever: 60 tons of explosives launched from bargeswith a grand finale blast planned over the Statue ofLiberty.

Sailors Throng New YorkAs the USS Kennedy sailed into port, white-uniformedsailors joined the throng of seafarers taking part in thefestivities.