BOSTON — U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston has issued Marine Safety Information Bulletin 26-003 which details important regulations in Boston Harbor during Sail Boston 250 events from July 10 to July 16, 2026.
Moving Security Zones: No vessel should operate within 100 yards of any foreign flag naval vessel. Any vessel operating within 500 yards of a U.S. Naval vessels shall navigate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain course. No vessel may approach within 100 yards.
Safety Zones: No vessel or person may approach within 100 yards of each participating tall ship while anchored in Broad Sound. No vessel or person may approach within 1000 yards ahead or 100 yards on each side of each participating tall ship from anchorage to mooring. All participating tall ships will have a 25-yard safety zone while moored.
Spectator Anchorage Rules: During the parade of sail on July 11, 2026, vessels in the designated special anchorages shall not leave anchor from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. In the case of an emergency, contact the nearest safety patrol vessel on VHF-FM radio to coordinate leaving the anchorage.
Fireworks Display Zone: The fireworks display safety zone will be in effect on July 11, 2026 and July 15, 2026 from 09:15 p.m. to 09:35 p.m.. No vessel may enter within a 700-yard radius of the fireworks barge located off of Fan Pier, South Boston, Massachusetts.
Information and diagrams regarding traffic patterns and spectator zones can be found at https://www.sailboston.com/spectator-vessel-movement/.
The Coast Guard is the lead federal agency for maritime safety, security and law enforcement during these events and has worked with the U.S. Navy and other federal, state and other local agencies to support a safe and secure event.
All mariners should monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 for broadcast notices to mariners. Spectators can report suspicious activity to the National Response Center at 1-877-24WATCH or in the case of immediate danger to life or property, call 911 or hail the Coast Guard on Channel 16.