Recession Trims Sail Boston Event

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Jun 20th 2009 at 9:02AM

Many towns are cutting back on fireworks and other public events and another public draw nearly ended up cancelled. The Boston Globe reports that Sail Boston, the international regatta of tall ships, has been saved after the state agreed to provide $1 million to cover security costs. Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Governor Deval Patrick worked on a deal to get the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to pay for the event, In 2000, the Sail Boston event ended up costing the city $1.6 million. But this time Boston will receive $750,000 directly from the state and Sail Boston is also paying $250,000 toward state police costs.

This year's event will be smaller. The event will no longer include the parade of sail, the most striking event when 50 ships fill the harbor watched by throngs of people. Related fireworks displays have also been canceled. This time they will sail in on a staggered schedule and dock for five days. But visitors can still get on board the ships and meet the crews from around the world. The event takes place from July 8-13.

Some wonder whether the downsized Sail Boston event will attract major tourism. It is more likely that the event will attract day visitors more than those staying overnight especially since the event has been up in the air for months. The event remains free for spectators.

Tags: boston, sail boston, SailBoston, tall ships, TallShips