Spectator Vessel Anchorages

$150.00 

This fee covers the costs associated with producing and distributing the required Spectator Vessel Credential Flag, which must be displayed prominently while on the water during event hours due to security protocols. This credential flag will be valid between Friday, July 3, 5PM through Sunday, July 5, 8AM. 

In the event an application for anchorage is rejected, your credential event flag will be mailed to you at the conclusion of the event. 

This event is rain-or-shine. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

The registration deadline is Friday, May 22.

• Designated spectator anchorage within the official viewing zone 

• Prime on-water viewing access to Sail4th signature events 

• One official credential flag per registered vessel 

Only one vessel may be registered per transaction. Unregistered vessels will be denied entry into the designated event area.  

Sail250 Zone Map

You must select a spectator zone during the registration process, ensuring the zone can accommodate your vessel’s length. Your zone selection cannot be changed once your registration is submitted. Water depths will vary within each anchorage area. Vessel operators are responsible for safely operating, navigating, and anchoring their vessels at all times.

To be considered for a spectator anchorage, you must provide: 

1. Vessel owner information & mailing address 

2. Vessel operator information (if different from owner) 

3. Vessel registration and documentation details

All submitted information will be reviewed prior to approval. Registrations are conditional and not confirmed until formally approved by Sail4th 250. Approval decisions will be communicated via email by early June. In the event an application for anchorage is not approved, your credential event flag will be mailed to you following the conclusion of the event. 

By registering, you consent to the processing and sharing of your personal information with the U.S. government and the U.S. Secret Service.

Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

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. 

Certification information for vessel operators will need to be submitted during the registration process.

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.  

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

A complete passenger manifest will be required for all approved vessels. Detailed instructions for submitting your full passenger list will be sent via email closer to the event date. All passengers are subject to review by event officials and law enforcement agencies.

Each participating vessel will be issued an official Spectator Vessel Credential Flag, which must be prominently displayed during all event hours. Your credential flag enables event operators, safety personnel, and law enforcement agencies to easily identify vessels registered in the Sail4th 250 spectator anchorage program. 

Credential flags will be shipped by mid-June. Registered vessel owners will receive an email with tracking details. 

Credential flags may not be altered, folded, covered, transferred, traded, or reproduced under any circumstances. Credential flags are non-transferable and may only be used by the registered vessel. Any vessel found using another vessel’s credential, or a duplicated credential or credential number, will be disqualified and required to leave the event area.

Contact ticketing@sail4th.org if you do not receive your credential flag by mid-June.  

The schedule events on Saturday, July 4 can be found here and below:

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

• 9:30AM – 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.  

You must arrive within your assigned time frame.  No arrivals are allowed prior to Friday, July 3, 5PM. Late arrivals may be denied entry. 

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.

All vessels must anchor strictly within their assigned anchorage area and may not move between anchorage zones unless expressly authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) or Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).  

While anchored, vessels must remain within their assigned zones, 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. 

All participating vessels must comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and Sail4th 250 operational guidelines. Event organizers, 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 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. 

• 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 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.