Maritime Festival Day Sails 2026
Sail Aboard an Historic Tall Ship
If you’ve ever enjoyed or even imagined the thrill of sailing the high seas, Sail Portsmouth can help make it happen! Notice: Passengers must be ambulatory, agile, and at least 6 years old.
This is a fundraiser. All net proceeds go to the Sail Portsmouth Sea Challenge Scholarship Fund to support deserving high school youth who participate in experiential/adventure learning programs at sea on tall ships. Sail Portsmouth is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
RIDE-IN on schooner Liberty Clipper in the Parade of Sail
July 23, 2026 $105/ per person
Would you like the “best seat in the house” for Sail Portsmouth’s Parade of Sail? Enjoy the Parade of Sail from the deck of the Liberty Clipper. This evening cruise departs UNH Pier and offers passengers a chance to assist the crew by hoisting sails and steering while learning about the ship’s history. The outing is relaxed, educational, and fun. Proceeds support Sail Portsmouth’s Sea Challenge Scholarship Fund for youth. The sail provides close-up views of the parade as the schooner travels up the Piscataqua River and returns to the pier after the event.
What’s included
- Passenger access aboard the schooner Liberty Clipper
- Opportunity to join the crew and help hoist sails
- Chance to steer the ship while underway
- Brief historical outline from the ship’s crew
- Return to the UNH Pier
- BYO beer, wine and appetizers
- Free parking
Parade of Sail SPECTATOR TRIP aboard M/V SHINING STAR
July 23, 2026 $65/ per person
Board the passenger vessel M/V Shining Star for a two-hour cruise on the Piscataqua River to watch the Parade of Sail. Guests will enjoy close-up views of visiting sailing ships and Portsmouth’s gundalow Piscataqua, plus the opportunity to see the vessels assemble before the parade begins. The experience departs from Kittery Town Dock, Pepperrell Cove, Maine at the scheduled time and returns to the dock after the parade concludes. Space is limited, so advance sign-up is recommended.
What’s included
- Passage aboard the passenger vessel M/V Shining Star
- View the visiting tall ships and riverfront harbor scenery
- Opportunity to watch the tall ships assemble before the Parade of Sail begins
Two-Hour DAY SAILS – aboard the 3-masted schooner Liberty Clipper
July 24-26, 2026 $80/ per person
The trip is a 2-hour sail aboard the 3-masted schooner Liberty Clipper. You will learn about the history of the ship as you sail along local coastal waters.
You may help the crew with raising and lowering sails and, perhaps, steering the ship. Or you may wish to sit back, relax to the motion of the ship, and enjoy the ride as the wind powers Liberty Clipper while the passing scenery soothes and inspires.
- The sail leaves from UNH Pier
- For safety reasons, all passengers must be ambulatory. The ship cannot accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
- You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of your ticket purchase with information about when to arrive and where to park.
Two-Hour Sunset SAIL – aboard the 3-masted schooner Liberty Clipper
July 24-26, 2026 $89/ per person
Enjoy a two-hour sail aboard schooner Liberty Clipper as you glide along local coastal waters. Learn about the ship’s history. Assist the crew with raising or lowering sails or steering the vessel. If you prefer, relax on deck and let the wind and passing scenery provide a peaceful, inspiring experience. The trip supports Sail Portsmouth’s scholarship fund for youth seamanship programs.
What’s included
- Two-hour sail aboard the three-masted schooner Liberty Clipper
- Learning about the ship and its history from the crew
- Opportunity to help with raising and lowering sails and possibly steering
- All ages welcome
- BYO beer, wine, and appetizers
- Free parking
DAY SAIL: Portsmouth to Boston Aboard DENIS SULLIVAN
July 27, 2026 8-10 hours $155/ per person
The Day Sail to Boston is a sail on the 3-masted schooner Denis Sullivan, as she returns to Boston. Passengers will depart from the UNH Pier, Sullivan Lane, New Castle, New Hampshire. You will enjoy the New Hampshire and Massachusetts coastline during the day and be wowed by the Boston Harbor skyline at dusk.
- The sail leaves from the UNH Pier, New Castle, New Hampshire and arrives Moakley Courthouse Dock, Boston.
- For safety reasons, no child under age eight will be permitted to board. All passengers must be ambulatory.
- Free parking at the UNH Pier but no overnight parking allowed.
- Most passengers arrange to meet friends for dinner and rides back to New Hampshire. The C & J Bus terminal at South Station, Boston is a 10-minute walk from the dock.
- You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of your purchase with information about when to arrive, what to wear, parking, directions and cancellation policy.