New London, CT – June 18, 2012 – Newport’s a nice city, says the chairman of OpSail2012 Connecticut, but Rhode Islanders should visit New London in July if they want to see the tall ships, Navy and Coast Guard vessels and a big celebration of the War of 1812’s bicentennial.
“New London is smaller, has less traffic congestion, is rich in history and I would say is easier to reach,” said John S. Johnson, the OpSail chairman. “To our neighbors, we say come pay us a visit.”
To help his neighboring Rhode Islanders make up their mind, Johnson developed a Letterman-style, Top-Ten list of reasons to be in Connecticut July 6-9.
10. OpSail in Connecticut is the last in a series of port visits organized by Operation Sail, in conjunction with the U.S. Navy, to note the 200th anniversary of the War. “They saved the best ‘till last.”
9. We will be the only city that weekend hosting America’s Tall Ship, the Coast Guard Barque EAGLE, and we have the world-acclaimed United States Coast Guard Band in concert.
8. New London is a city rich in history, where Nathan Hale and Benedict Arnold once walked its streets.
7. The Amistad replica will be tied up for visitation all weekend, in the same spot where the original Amistad landed–the only place it touched on American soil.
6. We promise an exciting mixture of street festivals, live entertainment and historical presentations, including historical reenactments and encampments at Fort Trumbull. Plus the city’s Sail Fest.
5. Pardon us if we feel New London is a friendlier city.
4. We have a four-lane highway right to our front door.
3. Our ship visitations are offered without cost to the public.
2. Buses from parking lots and in-city transit – all free of charge.
1. And, hey, our bridge is free, no tolls to slow you down.
Additional information about OpSail2012 Connecticut is available at www.OpSail2012CT.org.
AboutOpSail2012CT
OpSail2012CT pays homage to Connecticut’s rich maritime history and significant milestones in American history. Held in Niantic and New London Harbor July 6-9, 2012, the event is part of a national observance of the War of 1812’s bicentenary, the war that gave us the Star-Spangled Banner. There will be a history and culture presentation and entertainment at Fort Trumbull along with free ship visits. Participating ships arrive in Niantic on Friday, July 6, and the next morning form a Parade of Sail to New London Harbor. OpSail2012CT also includes Sailfest, southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event featuring a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment downtown New London. More information is available at www.OpSail2012CT.org and www.sailfest.org. Connect with us on facebook.com/OpSail2012CT, follow us on twitter.com/OpSailCT2012
