What an incredible experience! On June 19, 2026, we were treated to an incredible sight of a Tall Ship Parade of Sail! More than 25 international tall ships participated.

So Fort Monroe was going to be the most convenient place for us to watch, and we’d planned for quite awhile. After all, they would be passing right by Point Comfort, so it would be incredibly crowded, right? I wanted to make sure to get a front row spot to do a bit of photography. So we planned on leaving massively early!

Rain.

Heavy rain and winds were forecast. So maybe we don’t have to leave that early.

But we left around 7:00 am anyway. Surely there would be many intrepid people jockeying for spots!

Because of the large amount of people expected, and the distance to the parking area, there were school busses available for shuttle service. The rain had started by the time we arrived. But we were prepared with rain jackets, rain pants and umbrellas. Jeff was wide awake and ready to go!

And the crowds? Well, maybe we didn’t need to get there quite that early.

But there was someone that was eagerly awaiting the ships!

We sat through pouring down rain and some strong winds

But the time the ships were arriving, the rain stopped, the winds died down, and there were beautiful clouds to set off the ships!

It was amazing see the Eagle.

From the Coast Guards page:

The USCGC Eagle (WIX-32 7) is a 295-foot, three-masted barque known as "America's Tall Ship". Based in New London, Connecticut, she is the largest tall ship flying the Stars and Stripes and the only active-duty commissioned square-rigger in U.S. government service.

History and Purpose

Or iginally built in Ham burg, Germany, in 1936 as the Horst Wessel, the ship was seized by the United States as a war reparation after World War II. Today, she serves as a hands-on training vessel for cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and candidates from Officer Candidate School.

But check out the people hanging from the rigging! Keep in mind the main mast is 150’ above the water (15 story building??)

We were so glad that we braved the elements! (Although, it turns out we could have arrived later, skipped the rain, and still found a good viewing spot) But it’s always fun to have an adventure!