Spectator Vessel Anchorages

Registration for your vessel is free of charge and strongly recommended. It enables event organizers and maritime authorities to communicate important updates, including emergency notifications, and supports effective logistical planning to ensure a safe and well-coordinated event. Each participating vessel will require a separate, individual registration. 

Spectator anchorages are available on a first-come first serve basis. Registration does not guarantee a reserved anchorage space. 

Spectator Anchorage Zone Map

Review the Zone Map for anchorage locations. Your vessel’s length will determine which zones you are eligible to enter. Water depths may vary within each anchorage area, and vessel operators are responsible for the safe operation, navigation, and anchoring of their vessels at all times.

Please note Zone 1 is limited to commercial vessels only.   

Boater Safety Cards are required to operate a vessel in the State of New York as of January 1, 2025. The Safe Boater Certificate can be acquired through the Boat US Foundation.

Download the Aqua Map app for detailed nautical charts, navigation planning, and weather information. This will be your only near real-time nautical data resource during Sail4th 250.   

In partnership with Aqua Map, the app will be FREE for this event. Details will be provided closer to the event date.   

Spectator anchorages are open between 3PM on July 3 and 8AM on July 5. The schedule of events is listed below: 

• 7AM – 9:30AM: International Naval Review  

• 10:15AM – 2PM: Parade of Tall Ships 

Due to event security protocols, movement on the water will be prohibited on July 4 between 6AM – 1PM and 3PM – 10:30PM. 

This is a rain-or-shine outdoor maritime event. Vessel operators should monitor the Aqua Map app for near real-time conditions throughout the event. In the event of severe inclement weather, operators should monitor VHF Channel 16 for updates.  

Spectator anchorages are open between 3PM on July 3 and 8AM on July 5 and are available on a first-come first-served basis. 

No arrivals are allowed prior to Friday, July 3, 3PM.  

Spectator anchorages close Sunday, July 5, 8AM. All vessels must depart by this time.

Due to event security protocols, movement on the water is restricted on Saturday, July 4 between 6AM – 1PM and 3PM – 10:30PM.  

This information is subject to change.   

Vessels may only anchor in the designated anchorage zones shown on this map. Movement between anchorage zones is prohibited unless expressly authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) or Vessel Traffic Service (VTS). 

While anchored, vessels must use an appropriate scope of chain, maintain safe clearance from other vessels and nearby infrastructure, and display all required day shapes and navigation lights. Do not tie off to any navigational aids, buoys, or mooring balls. 

Safe distances must be maintained from tall ships, naval vessels, and commercial traffic.   Obstruction of navigation channels, ferry routes, or maneuvering lanes is prohibited. 

Anchorages are regulated under federal law, including 33 CFR Part 110 and all participating vessels must comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The COTP, harbor authorities, and law enforcement agencies may issue operational directives that vessels must follow.   

Failure to comply with safety or operational requirements may result in fines and/or removal from the event area.

• A continuous anchor watch is required at all times.  

• Proper anchor lights, day shapes, and sound signals must be displayed in accordance with the Navigation Rules.   

• If equipped, vessel AIS must remain active and transmitting unless exempted by regulation. 

• Nautical charts may not reflect all seabed obstructions or the shallowest depths. You may experience strong currents, and not all spectator zones offer reliable holding ground. Exercise caution and take appropriate precautions when anchoring. 

• Vessels must continually monitor Aqua Map and the designated VHF channels. 

• VHF Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency, and monitored by the Coast Guard and other vessels. Use this channel for immediate life-or-death emergencies (Mayday) or urgent safety information (Pan-Pan). Always monitor Channel 16 while underway and never use it for casual conversation. For more information, please visit https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/radio-information-for-boaters. 

• Vessel operators are required to download the Aqua Map app for detailed nautical charts, navigation planning, and weather information. This will be your only near real-time nautical data resource during Sail4th 250. 

• Upon observing or hearing a distress signal from a nearby vessel, you will be asked to actively point toward the vessel, hail the USCG on VHF Channel 16, and remain in position to guide responding assets.  

• Vessels must maintain immediate maneuvering capability and be able to relocate upon order from the COTP. 

• Fuel transfers, hot work, or hazardous operations at anchor are prohibited without prior authorization. 

• Excessive noise, wake, or lighting that interferes with event operations is prohibited. 

• Rafting of vessels is prohibited unless expressly authorized.  

• Safe distances must be maintained from tall ships, naval vessels, and commercial traffic.  

• Vessels must comply with all Maritime Security (MARSEC) level directives.   

• Entry into established security zones is strictly prohibited.   

• Anchoring in or near parade corridors, maneuvering zones, or staging areas is prohibited. 

• Law enforcement agencies may conduct boarding, inspection, or verification at any time.

• The COTP and the U.S. Secret Service may request personal data of any passenger at any given time. 

• The COTP may order immediate relocation or departure of any  vessel posing a risk to safety or security.

• Anchorage is restricted near environmentally sensitive areas or restoration zones. 

• Discharge of sewage, oil, garbage, or pollutants is strictly prohibited.  

• Untreated sewage discharge is prohibited within three miles of shore. Under Section 312 of the Clean Water Act, any vessel operating on U.S. navigable waters with an installed toilet must be equipped with a functional, U.S. Coast Guard–certified marine sanitation device. Certain areas of the Hudson River within EPA Region 02 are designated No-Discharge Zones (NDZs) to protect water quality. In these zones, the discharge of both treated and untreated sewage is strictly prohibited. All sewage must be retained onboard and disposed of at approved onshore pump-out facilities. For more information, including locations of pump-out facilities and commercial pump-out services, visit: https://www.epa.gov/vessels-marinas-and-ports/no-discharge-zones-ndzs-state#ny. 

• Any spill or release must be reported immediately to the National Response Center, the COTP, and event organizers. 

Violations of Sail4th 250 policies and procedures may result in fines, removal from the anchorage, or denial of future event participation. The COTP may order immediate relocation or departure of any vessel posing a risk to safety or security. Derelict, unsafe, or noncompliant vessels may be impounded or removed at the owner’s expense.