Last Updated: March 27, 2026
These terms and conditions (the “Terms”) govern admission to, attendance and participation in the events being hosted by Sail4th 250 NYC, Inc. (“Sail4th 250”) during the period July 3-8, 2026, to celebrate the semiquincentennial of the United States (the “Event”). By purchasing, holding, or using a ticket to the Event or registering, checking in or attending the Event, you acknowledge that you have read these Terms and agree to be bound by these Terms and any Event rules or policies notified to you by Sail4th 250, any of the Event venues or any vessel operator and any additional terms referenced in your registration or confirmation.
All ticket purchases and registrations for the event are final and non-refundable. By completing your purchase or registration, you acknowledge and agree that no refunds, credits or exchanges will be issued for any reason, including, without limitation, cancellation of the event due to weather or other circumstances beyond Sail4th 250’s control, your inability to attend, your scheduling conflicts, your dissatisfaction with the event or any change in your personal circumstances.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who by attending the Event with a minor, accepts these Terms on the minor’s behalf. These Terms apply to all Event locations, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Governors Island, and designated areas of the NY/NJ Harbor.
Sail4th 250 reserves the right to modify these Terms.
2. Nature of Ticket
Each ticket is a revocable, non-transferable license granting admission to designated Event areas only. You may be required to present a valid, government‑issued photo identification to enter Venues or to board a vessel. Organizer, Venues, and Vessel Operators may refuse admission, remove, or deny re‑entry to any person for noncompliance or for disruptive, unsafe, or illegal conduct without any refund. The Event reserves the right to deny or revoke admission at any time for disruptive, unsafe or illegal conduct or for safety, security, regulatory, or operational reasons without refund. Ticket may not be resold, transferred, or used for commercial purposes without written authorization.
The Event may occur across multiple locations including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Governors Island, ferries, docks, vessels, and maritime viewing zones in the NY/NJ Harbor. Transportation to and from Event venues or locations is subject to capacity limits, weather, security screening, and maritime regulations.
This is a rain-or-shine outdoor maritime event. Programs, schedules, vessels, performers, routes, and broadcasts may be modified, delayed, relocated, curtailed, interrupted or canceled due to weather, sea conditions, governmental orders, public safety concerns, crew or staff availability, mechanical issues, or force majeure events outside of Sail4th 250’s control. No refunds, credits or exchanges will be issued for any reason, including, without limitation, cancellation of the event due to weather or other circumstances beyond Sail4th 250’s control.
Alcohol may be included with certain tickets or available for purchase in designated areas. Guests must be 21 years of age or older with valid government-issued identification in order to be served alcohol. The Event reserves the right to refuse service and remove guests for intoxication or for behavior that poses a security or safety risk.
Guests voluntarily assume all risks associated with attending the Event, including but not limited to crowds, weather, slips, trips and falls, ferries, docks, vessels, open water, motion and sea conditions, alcohol consumption, loud sounds and live event production equipment. Such risks may include serious injury, illness, drowning, property damage, or death.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sail4th 250 is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, punitive, or consequential damages, or for lost profits, arising out of or related to the Event or these Terms.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, each ticket holder releases and agrees not to sue the Event organizers, producers, broadcasters, sponsors, ticketing platforms, vessel owners and operators, governmental entities, and contractors from any claims arising out of or related to attendance, transportation, or participation.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Event liability is limited to the face value of the ticket.
Each ticket holder agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the released parties from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from the ticket holder’s negligent acts or omissions, or violation of any applicable law or the rights of any third party, breach of these Terms.
All guests must behave respectfully to staff, crew and other attendees and comply with all Event rules and instructions from staff, security, law enforcement, and vessel crew. Disorderly, unsafe, or non-compliant behavior may result in removal without refund.
The Event is being recorded and broadcast live and recorded for later use. By attending the Event, guests grant Sail4th 250 and its affiliates and partners the worldwide, royalty‑free, perpetual right and license to record, photograph, and otherwise capture their image, voice, and likeness at the Event and to use, reproduce, display, publish, perform, adapt, and distribute such content, in whole or in part, in any media now known or later developed, for editorial, promotional, and other lawful purposes, without compensation.
Entry to Event venues and boarding of vessels may be subject to security screening and searches of guests and their belongings. By attending, guests consent to such screening and searches, and to the confiscation or disposal of prohibited or dangerous items in accordance with venue or vessel operator policies and applicable law. Refusal to submit to screening may result in denial of entry or removal without refund. Prohibited items may include weapons, illegal substances, drones, fireworks, or other items deemed unsafe.
Sail4th 250 is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law. If you require an accommodation, you are asked to contact Sail4th 250 as early as possible so that appropriate arrangements can be made with venues and vessel operators. Due to maritime and historic infrastructure, some areas may have limited accessibility.
Sail4th 250 may collect, use, and share personal data in connection with Event registration, access control, security, accommodations, and Event communications, consistent with Sail4th 250’s privacy policy. In addition, Sail4th 250 has been informed by the U.S. government and the U.S. Secret Service that they may request the personal data of guests. By attending, guests consent to the processing of personal data and sharing with the U.S. government and the U.S. Secret Service. For any activities on vessels, vessel operators may process personal data in accordance with their privacy policies.
These Terms and any disputes between a guest and Sail4th 250 arising out of or relating to the Event or these Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict‑of‑laws principles, except that U.S. federal maritime law will govern issues arising out of or related to carriage by sea. By attending, guests agree that the state and federal courts located in New York County, New York will have exclusive jurisdiction and venue over all such disputes and irrevocably consent to personal jurisdiction and venue in those courts.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, by attending guests and Sail4th 250 agree that any legal proceedings brought by a guest will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action, and guests waive any right to a jury trial. If a court determines that applicable law prohibits enforcement of these waivers for a particular claim, that claim will proceed in court as required, and the waivers will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible.
If any provision of these Terms is found invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination will survive, including those governing intellectual property, assumption of risk, limitations of liability, indemnity, dispute resolution, and governing law. These Terms, together with any policies and terms referenced herein and your registration confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between you and Sail4th 250 regarding the Event and supersede any prior or contemporaneous communications on that subject.
These terms and conditions (the “Anchorage Terms”) govern all vessel anchorage within New York Harbor during the events being hosted by Sail4th 250 NYC, Inc. (“Sail4th 250”) during the period July 3-8, 2026, to celebrate the semiquincentennial of the United States (the “Event”). They supplement federal anchorage regulations and remain in effect for the duration of the event. By applying for and accepting anchorage from Sail4th 250 relating to the Event, you acknowledge that you have read these Terms and agree to be bound by them. Sail4th 250 reserves the right to modify these Terms.
No refund will be issued for any reason, including, without limitation, the rjection of your application for anchorage or cancellation of the event due to weather or other circumstances beyond Sail4th 250’s control.
In the event an application for anchorage is rejected, in lieu of a refund of your anchorage registration fee, Sail4th 250 shall mail you a credential Event flag for your vessel at the conclusion of the Event.
2.1. Anchorage is regulated under federal law, including 33 CFR Part 110.
2.2. The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) New York retains full authority over anchorage assignments, vessel movement, and enforcement.
2.3. Event organizers, harbor authorities, and law enforcement agencies may issue operational directives that vessels must follow.
2.4. Temporary safety zones, security zones, and restricted areas may be established at any time.
3.1. All vessels intending to anchor during the event must register in advance through the designated event portal or harbor authority.
3.2. Registration must include vessel documentation, insurance, AIS identification, and operator contact information.
3.3. Vessels not preregistered may be denied anchorage or directed to depart.
4.1. Vessels must anchor only in their assigned anchorage area.
4.2. Movement between anchorage areas is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP or Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).
4.3. Anchorage areas may be reserved for tall ships, naval vessels, parade staging, or emergency operations.
4.4. Vessels shall not obstruct navigation channels, ferry routes, or maneuvering lanes.
4.5. Vessels must anchor only within the assigned limits using appropriate scope of chain, maintain safe clearance from other vessels and infrastructure, and display day shapes and lights as required.
5.1. Specific arrival and departure windows may be established to manage traffic density.
5.2. Vessels must adhere to assigned time slots.
5.3. Late arrivals may be denied entry or redirected to alternate holding areas.
6.1. A continuous anchor watch is required at all times.
6.2. Proper anchor lights, shapes, and sound signals must be displayed in accordance with the Navigation Rules.
6.3. If equipped, Vessel AIS must remain active and transmitting unless exempted by regulation.
6.4 Vessels must continually monitor VHF channels.
7.1. Vessels must maintain immediate maneuvering capability and be able to relocate upon order. The COTP may order a Vessel to weigh anchor, shift position, move to another anchorage, or get underway at any time for safety, security, traffic management, environmental, or operational reasons. Vessels must comply immediately with all such orders at their own risk and expense. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action, removal at Vessel’s risk and expense, and recovery of related costs.
7.2. Fuel transfers, hot work, or hazardous operations at anchor are prohibited without prior authorization.
7.3. Excessive noise, wake, or lighting that interferes with event operations is prohibited.
7.4. Rafting of vessels is prohibited unless expressly authorized.
8.1. Vessels must comply with all Maritime Security (MARSEC) level directives.
8.2. Entry into established security zones is strictly prohibited.
8.3. Law enforcement agencies may conduct boarding, inspection, or verification at any time.
8.4 Sail4th 250 has been informed by the U.S. government and the U.S. Secret Service that they may request the personal data of any passenger. By attending, passengers consent to the processing of personal data and sharing with the U.S. government and the U.S. Secret Service.
9.1. Discharge of sewage, oil, garbage, noxious liquids or pollutants is strictly prohibited.
9.2. Any spill, sheen or release must be reported immediately to the National Response Center and the COTP.
9.3. Anchoring may be restricted near environmentally sensitive areas or restoration zones.
10.1. Spectator vessels must remain in designated viewing areas.
10.2. Anchoring in or near parade corridors, maneuvering zones, or staging areas is prohibited.
10.3. Safe distances must be maintained from tall ships, naval vessels, and commercial traffic.
Depending on the event, the following may apply:
Temporary no anchor zones
Mandatory escort requirements
Harbor wide speed restrictions
Nighttime movement limitations
Prohibitions on drones or UAVs over anchorage areas
12.1. Special event anchorage fees may apply and must be paid prior to arrival.
12.2. Additional charges may apply for extended stays, late departures, or special services.
13. Enforcement and Penalties
13.1. Violations may result in fines, removal from the anchorage, or denial of future event participation.
13.2. The COTP may order immediate relocation or departure of any vessel posing a risk to safety or security.
13.3. Derelict, unsafe, or noncompliant vessels may be impounded or removed at the owner’s expense.
Vessel owners and operators shall indemnify and hold harmless the event organizers, harbor authorities, and affiliated agencies from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the vessel’s presence or operations during the event.
These Terms and Conditions may be updated at any time to reflect operational needs, safety requirements, or regulatory changes. Updates take effect upon publication.
The Event is being recorded and broadcast live and recorded for later use. By participating in the Event, Vessel hereby grants Sail4th 250 and its affiliates and partners the worldwide, royalty‑free, perpetual right and license to record, photograph, and otherwise capture all Vessel related images while participating in the Event and to use, reproduce, display, publish, perform, adapt, and distribute such content, in whole or in part, in any media now known or later developed, for editorial, promotional, and other lawful purposes.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, any legal proceedings relating to the Event shall be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action, and Vessel waives any right to a jury trial. If a court determines that applicable law prohibits enforcement of these waivers for a particular claim, that claim will proceed in court as required, and the waivers will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible.
If any provision of these Anchorage Terms is found invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted.
These Tall Ship & Vessel Visitor terms and conditions (the “ Visitor Terms”) govern the boarding of tall ships and other vessels during the events being hosted by Sail4th 250 NYC, Inc. (“Sail4th 250”) during the period July 3-8, 2026 to celebrate the semiquincentennial of the United States (the “Event”). By boarding any tall ships or vessels, or otherwise entering the ship operator’s premises, each visitor (“Visitor” or “you”) agrees to these Visitor Terms on behalf of themselves. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who by boarding any ship with a minor, accepts these Visitor Terms on the minor’s behalf.
All registrations for the event are final by completing your registration, you acknowledge and agree that no credits or exchanges will be issued for any reason, including, without limitation, cancellation of the event due to weather or other circumstances beyond Sail4th 250’s control, your inability to attend, your scheduling conflicts, your dissatisfaction with the event or any change in your personal circumstances.
Sail4th 250 reserves the right to modify these Terms.
Visitors must comply with all applicable laws, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, port and harbor rules, security directives, and the lawful instructions of the vessel’s master and crew at all times. The master has absolute discretion over navigation, operation, passenger management, safety, itinerary, and scheduling. Visitors may be refused admission, removed, or denied re‑entry for noncompliance or for disruptive, unsafe, or illegal conduct.
Visitors must present valid government‑issued photo identification and any ticket or reservation confirmation upon request. A ship operator may deny boarding, remove, and/or refuse carriage to any person for safety or operational reasons, including intoxication, disorderly conduct, failure to comply with crew instructions, or violation of these Visitor Terms. Security screening and search of persons and belongings may occur; refusal may result in denied boarding.
Sail4th 250 has been informed by the U.S. government and the U.S. Secret Service that they may request the personal data of all visitors. By attending the Event and boarding a maritime vessel, visitors consent to the processing of personal data and sharing with the U.S. government and the U.S. Secret Service.
The following are expressly prohibited:
Weapons, explosives, fireworks, or hazardous materials.
Illicit drugs or controlled substances not lawfully possessed.
Drones, laser pointers, and high‑powered lighting.
Outside alcohol; outside food and non‑alcoholic beverages may be restricted.
Large coolers, glass containers, and oversized baggage beyond posted limits.
The vessel operator may confiscate prohibited items or deny boarding. Any permitted items must be properly secured and compliant with USCG and venue rules.
This is a rain-or-shine outdoor maritime event. Programs and schedules may be modified, delayed, relocated, curtailed, interrupted or canceled due to weather, sea conditions, governmental orders, public safety concerns, crew or staff availability, mechanical issues, or force majeure events outside of the vessel operator or Sail4th 250’s control.
Visitor represents they are fit to board a maritime vessel, and that any conditions requiring special care have been disclosed in advance. Visitor is responsible for personal medications and supplies. Onboard medical care and equipment are limited or may be unavailable. In the event of illness or injury, the vessel operator may arrange evacuation, shoreside medical care, or other assistance at Visitor’s expense where not otherwise covered by applicable law or operator policy.
Visitor is responsible for personal property at all times. Space is limited; only small personal items may be brought aboard unless the vessel operator agrees otherwise. Operator is not an insurer of personal property and is not responsible for loss or damage except as required by applicable law.
Climbing railings or accessing restricted areas is prohibited. Visitor must use handrails and non‑skid areas, wear appropriate footwear, and exercise care on wet surfaces and moving decks.
Visitors voluntarily assume all risks associated with boarding a maritime vessel, including but not limited to crowds, weather, slips, trips and falls, docks, vessel design, open water, motion and sea conditions, alcohol consumption, loud sounds and live event production equipment. Such risks may include serious injury, illness, drowning, property damage, or death.
The Event is being recorded and broadcast live and recorded for later use. By attending the Event or boarding a maritime vessel, Visitors grant Sail4th 250 and its affiliates and partners the worldwide, royalty‑free, perpetual right and license to record, photograph, and otherwise capture their image, voice, and likeness at the Event and to use, reproduce, display, publish, perform, adapt, and distribute such content, in whole or in part, in any media now known or later developed, for editorial, promotional, and other lawful purposes, without compensation. Personal photography is permitted unless restricted for safety or privacy.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, nothing in these Visitor Terms seeks to exempt or limit vessel operator’s liability for personal injury or death caused by the negligence or fault of the vessel operator. Any term purporting to limit such liability is void under U.S. maritime law. These Visitor Terms do not waive Visitor’s rights where such a waiver is prohibited by law.
To the extent not inconsistent with maritime law and New York law:
Sail 4th 250 and Operator’s total liability to Visitor for property damage or other non‑personal injury losses arising out of or in connection with the Event shall not exceed $50, except where such limitation is prohibited by law. Neither Sail 4th 250 nor the vessel operator shall be liable for consequential, incidental, special, exemplary, or punitive damages, lost profits, loss of enjoyment, or similar damages, except where prohibited by law.
Visitor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Sail 4th 250 and the vessel operator from claims, losses, fines, penalties, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of Visitor’s violation of law or these Visitor Terms, misconduct, introduction of prohibited items, or damage caused to the vessel or third‑party property, except to the extent caused by Sail 4th 250 or the vessel operator’s gross negligence or willful misconduct or where such indemnity is prohibited by law.
Neither Sail 4th 250 nor the vessel operator is responsible for any failure or delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including weather; acts of God; public authority orders; port closures; labor disputes; epidemics; terrorism or security events; or mechanical failure not resulting from Sail 4th 250 or the vessel operator’s lack of reasonable care.
Tickets are non‑transferable and non‑assignable. Unauthorized resale is prohibited and may result in cancellation without refund. Lost or stolen tickets will not be replaced.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany minors unless the vessel operator approves otherwise in writing. The accompanying adult is responsible for the supervision and safety of minors in their care at all times.
Service animals as defined by applicable law are permitted consistent with safety and space constraints. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted unless expressly authorized by the vessel operator.
These Visitor Terms and any disputes between a Visitor and the vessel operator or Sail4th 250 arising out of or relating to the Event or these Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflict‑of‑laws principles, except that U.S. federal maritime law will govern issues arising out of or related to carriage by sea. By attending, Visitors agree that the state and federal courts located in New York County, New York will have exclusive jurisdiction and venue over all such disputes and irrevocably consent to personal jurisdiction and venue in those courts.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, by attending the Event or boarding maritime vessel, Visitors and the vessel operator and Sail4th 250 agree that any legal proceedings brought by a Visitor will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action, and Visitors waive any right to a jury trial. If a court determines that applicable law prohibits enforcement of these waivers for a particular claim, that claim will proceed in court as required, and the waivers will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible.
18. Severability, Non-Waiver, Entire Agreement; Changes
If any provision of these Visitor Terms is found invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted. Failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver of future enforcement.
Provisions that by their nature should survive termination will survive, including those governing intellectual property, assumption of risk, limitations of liability, indemnity, dispute resolution, and governing law. These Visitor Terms, together with any policies and terms referenced herein and your registration confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between you and the vessel operator and Sail4th 250 regarding the boarding of any maritime vessel anchored at port and supersede any prior or contemporaneous communications on that subject.
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