Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival

OpSail Connecticut hosts the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival in the Port of New London annually to “Celebrate the Sea” and give visitors the opportunity to interact with those who work on, under or with the sea. Visit often to see the latest in festivities, unravel the fabric of Connecticut’s maritime history and appreciate how the sea unites our shores. OpSail Connecticut, Inc. was incorporated in 2012 to further the mission imagined by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. President Kennedy created Operation Sail events nationwide to promote good will and cooperation among countries, celebrate maritime history and provide sail training.

These events brought together military ships and tall ships from many nations, as part of the annual International Naval Review, featuring present-day warships from various navies. Six national OpSail events have been held to date, in 1964, 1976, 1986, 1992, 2000 and 2012. The Port of New London was honored to take part in the OpSail events held in 2000 and 2012.

OpSail Connecticut, Inc. has continued the tradition to “Celebrate the Sea” and its lore by producing the annual Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival at the Port of New London. Held the second weekend in September, the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival honors all those who work on, under or with the sea in naval, marine and other maritime industries. We aim to celebrate Connecticut’s maritime heritage by emphasizing the State’s diverse population and showing the ways the seas have brought people from all over the world to Connecticut. Typically held in the heart of New London at its Waterfront Park, the festival sometimes utilizes nearby Fort Trumbull State Park when large Naval ships participate.