Beginning this Saturday, Boston Harbor will once again be filled with tall masts and square sails.  OpSail Boston 2012 is celebrating the USS Constitution and the bicentennial of the War of 1812.  The USS Constitution, nicknamed “Old Ironsides” after British round shot bounced off her oak planks, is the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat.  Named by President George Washington, she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships during the War of 1812.

Joining in on the celebration will be sail training ships from around the world.  These include: USCG Barque Eagle, Brazil’s Cisne Branco, Dewaruci from Indonesia, Colombia’s Gloria, and Guayas from Ecuador.   Privately owned sailing vessels will include the privateer Lynx from Newport Beach, CA; the schooner Spirit of Massachusetts from Boston; the schooner Roseway based in St. Croix, USVI; the privateer Pride of Baltimore II from Baltimore, MD;  the brigantine Formidable from Rockport, ME; and the schooner Appledore V  from Bay City, MI.  Click here for OpSail activities and schedules.