July 3, 2026
As New York Harbor prepared to welcome one of the world’s largest gatherings of tall ships for the Sail4th celebration, Rutgers University’s research vessel R/V Rutgers played a behind-the-scenes role in helping bring the international fleet together.
On July 3, the vessel served as a transportation platform for captains from nine visiting tall ships, enabling them to gather at the historic Sandy Hook Lifesaving station for an important pre-event coordination meeting. The gathering provided an opportunity for ship commanders to discuss final logistics, safety procedures and communications ahead of the Independence Day festivities.
Captains participating in the meeting represented an impressive international fleet:
- USCGC Eagle (United States)
- ARA Libertad (Argentina)
- Esmeralda (Chile)
- Dar Młodzieży (Poland)
- BAP Unión (Peru)
- Amerigo Vespucci (Italy)
- Capitán Miranda (Uruguay)
- Ernestina-Morrissey (United States)
- BAE Guayas (Ecuador)
The R/V Rutgers also shuttled reporters from Fox News Channel, News 12 NJ, WPIX 11 and Spectrum News NY1 around Sandy Hook Bay for an up-close look of the tall ships. Several reporters broadcast stories from the deck of the R/V Rutgers.
“While R/V Rutgers is best known for supporting oceanographic research and education, opportunities like this highlight the vessel’s versatility and its ability to support important maritime operations,” said the Rutgers Captain Chip Haldeman. “It was an honor to help bring together this distinguished group of international mariners.”
The meeting marked the final coordination effort before thousands of spectators lined the waterfront to witness the majestic parade of sail during the Sail4th celebration. With vessels representing countries from North and South America as well as Europe, the event celebrated international friendship, maritime heritage, and centuries of seafaring tradition.
Although normally engaged in coastal ocean research, supporting ocean observing systems, and providing educational experiences for Rutgers students, the R/V Rutgers was proud to contribute to this historic gathering of tall ships. By helping assemble the fleet’s captains for their final planning session, the vessel played a small but meaningful role in ensuring the success of one of the nation’s premier maritime celebrations during the nation’s 250th birthday festivities.
