Sometimes it's good to go somewhere with no plan and no knowledge. Just show up and let the day take you wherever it leads. That's how I walked into Sail Boston 2026.
I was there by 8:45 AM, hoping the parade would start at 9 as mentioned. It did—but far from where I was. :)
MBTA had done an awesome job. I wanted to go to Castle Island, but I didn't want to drive, so I planned on going to the Seaport instead. I am so glad I did. MBTA had buses running to Castle Island from the JFK train station. I took the Silver Line to the Seaport.
After spending a couple of hours at the Mayor's Pavilion—watching the ships from the stadium seating, hanging out with volunteers and police officers, and watching families enjoy the beautiful sunny day—I realized people enjoyed the parade for a while, but after a couple of hours many started leaving. I already wrote about my time with Barbara.
I also met another Indian woman who did her master's in Urban City Planning and now works in the Mayor's Office. It was so wonderful to see another brown woman. :) We both left disappointed after learning that INS Sudarshini, the Indian ship, was almost at the end of the parade. That meant another couple of hours of waiting.
I knew I couldn't stay that long, so I decided to walk around the Seaport and witness the fun and the craziness.
The Seaport was buzzing with excitement. People were everywhere. I don't think I had ever seen this many people in one place in Boston. Maybe it was competing with the July 4th crowds.
There were so many immigrant communities waiting for a glimpse of the ship from their own country.
There were young children running around, long lines outside restaurants, and people simply enjoying the day. For a few moments, Boston felt like the whole world had gathered along the waterfront.
After a few hours, I was tired. Still, the Indian ship was nowhere in sight, so I came back home.
I went to visit the ship the next day. Most of the crew had gone to the hotel to rest. They work in shifts, so while some stayed with the ship, others finally had a chance to explore Boston—or simply enjoy sleeping in a real bed.
I spent some time talking with a few of them. They told me about life on board, the meals they cook together, the two washing machines and dryers they all share, and the friendships that make months at sea a little easier.
I found out they have been on the ship since January. They started their journey from Kochi, Kerala, have visited nine countries, and will reach home around the end of October or early November.
Thousands of us came to admire the ship. For them, it was simply home.
Sail Boston didn't just bring tall ships to Boston. It brought stories from around the world—stories of adventure, culture, friendship, curiosity, and the men and women who call these ships home.
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