06/23/2026
There is a lot happening around the Chesapeake this week as celebrations get underway for America’s 250th birthday!
This week you can see tall ships, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels, and of course, the Blue Angels! Whether you’re out on the water watching the air show, touring the international ships downtown, or checking out the planes up close at Martin State Airport, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this week. Check out the schedule at https://www.sail250md.org/schedule-of-events.
Ship Watcher Update | Fleet Bound for Baltimore
A fleet of world-class tall ships & US & Canadian Navy ships will be coming up the Chesapeake Bay this week for Sail250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore. There is no formal Parade of Sail planned for the event. Ships will arrive over several days starting tomorrow, Tuesday, June 23, & going through to Thursday, June 25. Each vessel's course, speed, & arrival time while transiting the Chesapeake Bay are dependent on the wind, weather, vessel traffic, operational considerations, & the captain. Whether a vessel arrives under sail or with crew aloft in the rigging also depends entirely on wind, weather, & conditions.
Follow the fleet: https://www.waterwayguide.com/sail250-maryland
Here are some recommended viewing locations for where you might be able to catch them as they make their way to Baltimore. If you plan to watch ship arrivals from public parks or waterfront areas, please observe all posted signs, barriers, & instructions from park staff & public safety personnel. Thank you for helping ensure a safe & enjoyable experience for everyone as we welcome the fleet.
Calvert Cliffs State Park - Maryland State Parks
Town of Chesapeake Beach - Overview Park, Brownies Beach
Matapeake Fishing Pier, Queen Anne's County Government
Sandy Point State Park - Maryland State Parks
Downs Park - Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks
Fort Smallwood Park - Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks
Fort Howard Park - Baltimore County Government
Fort Armistead Park
Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine
Baltimore’s Waterfront Promenade - Waterfront Partnership
Photo: GORCH FOCK under sail on the Chesapeake Bay. Copyright Greg Pease Photography. German Embassy Washington