Sail Baltimore

Join us in wishing fair winds to our local schooners Pride of Baltimore II & LADY MARYLAND (Living Classrooms Foundation: Maritime Education) as they sail off to take part in Sail250 Virginia -- both vessels will be back in Baltimore for Sail250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore & will be representing Baltimore & Maryland alongside our other local treasures including SS John W. Brown (Project Liberty Ship), Historic Ships in Baltimore, & NS SAVANNAH, schooner FAREWELL!

Things are heating up! This afternoon, our friends at Sail250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore hosted an awesome press conference that included representatives from the Maryland Office of Tourism, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, the US Navy, Northrop Grumman, & Living Classrooms Foundation. Keep an eye on local networks WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore & WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore for coverage of the press conference.

Sail250 Maryland is going to be huge -- over two dozen ships, including over a dozen international Tall Ships like the iconic AMERIGO VESPUCCI.

The skies over Baltimore will also be roaring with demonstrations from the US Navy U.S. Navy Blue Angels, British Royal Airforce RED ARROWS, & the French Air & Space Force PATROLUILLE de FRANCE. Learn more about this once-in a generation event by going to https://www.sail250md.org/ & by following Sail250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore here on Facebook.

For folks waiting to hear about ship arrival & departure timing -- we will continue to post updates & additional information as

The Greatest Celebration in our Nation's History is coming to Baltimore & we need your help!

Sail Baltimore is looking for professional & service-oriented Volunteer Vessel Liaisons for Sail250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore (June 23–30, 2026). Volunteer Vessel Liaisons will help support visiting international ships, & crews, arriving from numerous countries around the world as part of America's 250 commemoration & international maritime celebration.

Responsibilities may include:
• Welcoming international vessels & delegations
• Coordination & communication support
• Crew transportation/logistics coordination
• Community engagement & cultural exchange
• Assisting visiting crews during local activities & events

This is a working volunteer role requiring professionalism, flexibility, teamwork, & strong interpersonal communication skills. A full-week commitment (June 23–30) is strongly preferred due to operational continuity & relationship-building responsibilities.

Individuals with backgrounds or interests in public service, international affairs, hospitality, cultural exchange, maritime heritage, nonprofit work, military service, or community engagement may be especially well-suited. Multilingual abilities & foreign language skills are highly valued and considered a strong plus.

Please note:
• This is a working volunteer role & not a spectator or VIP access position.
• Assignments and responsibilities may vary based on operational needs
• Selection may be based on experience, professionalism, communication skills, availability, language skills, & overall program fit

Apply today by going to https://bit.ly/4tO7tmI

Photo courtesy of Greg Pease Photography.

Visit Baltimore

As planning continues for Sail250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore, Sail Baltimore is proud to be an active partner in bringing this landmark event to life. This once-in-a-lifetime event is shaping up to be one of the greatest celebrations in our nation’s history.

Our staff and board members are working alongside organizers every day, helping to ensure a successful & memorable experience for Baltimore & its waterfront.

Today, we’re highlighting Rich Shores.

Currently serving as Sail Baltimore’s Maritime Operations Manager for Sail250 Maryland, Rich is leading the complex coordination of a global fleet of vessels. Working closely with City, State, & Federal partners, Rich is determining where ships can safely berth, managing arrivals, services, & departures. His work is central to what is slated to be the largest coordinated gathering of tall ships in Baltimore since the age of sail.

While he initially envisioned a creative berthing plan, grouping ships by class, pairing sister ships, or organizing vessels by geography, the realities of vessel size, draft, safety requirements, & timing ultimately guide the plan.

Rich describes the scale of coordination behind SAIL250 as truly herculean, & notes that being part of such a large, collaborative effort involving so many professional teams is both humbling & a privilege.

Outside of his work on the event, Rich shares his passion for sailing as a US Sailing-certified keelboat instructor at the Downtown Sailing Center, races regularly with the Baltimore City Yacht Association, & holds a USCG captain’s license.

And one of his favorite tall ship phrases?

“Splice the mainbrace” — once a call for a difficult repair, now a well-earned extra ration of rum.

We’re grateful for Rich’s expertise, humor, & steady hand in helping bring Sail250 Baltimore to life.