Portuguese Tall Ship Sagres Returning to New Bedford

It has been 11 years since the Portuguese Tall Ship Sagres visited New Bedford, but that's about to change.

Sagres will dock in New Bedford for several days after participating in the Sail Boston 250 Parade of Sail into Boston Harbor on July 11, 2026, as America celebrates her 250th Anniversary.

Organizers have issued some tips for the best viewing of the parade.

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A Return 11 Years in the Making

New Bedford Public Information Officer Jonathan Darling said that "The City is happy to welcome the Sagres back to New Bedford for the first time since 2015."

Sagres, the Portuguese Navy's tall ship, is a 294-foot three-masted barque that last visited the Whaling City on July 8 and 9, 2015. Before that, Sagres called on New Bedford in 1996.

New Docking Location at Marine Commerce Terminal

Sagres will dock at the Marine Commerce Terminal, which until recently was used as a staging area for offshore wind development. The deterioration of the State Pier will prevent Sagres from docking there this visit.

New Bedford To Welcome Portuguese Tall Ship Sagres — Barry Richard/Townsquare Media

"This historic vessel has been part of the Portuguese Navy since 1961, and many people are excited to see it sail into New Bedford Harbor, escorted by the Ernestina-Morrissey and Azorean whaleboats, on July 19," Darling said.

Sagres Summer 2026 Tour Schedule and Free Access

After leaving Virginia, Sagres will participate in the Sail4th 250 Parade of Sail along the Hudson River in New York City on July 4, 2026, as part of a week-long stay in the Big Apple.

From there, Sagres is "shippin up to Boston" from July 11 to July 16, 2026, and then on to New Bedford, where she will dock from July 19 to July 23, 2026. Sagres will be open for free tours while docked in New Bedford.

Darling said the arrival of Sagres is "yet another reason to visit New Bedford this summer."

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