Sailfest Three Days Of Festivity For Landlubbers & Sea Dogs Alike

Sailfest is one of the most popular festivals on the summer agenda in southeast Connecticut. Held in New London during July, the festival attracts over 300,000 people during its three-day program. Hampton Inn and Suites Hotel is conveniently located at Mystic, a few miles east of New London, to serve as an accommodation base for visitors out-of-towners attending the festival. Both towns are seaports.

Festival entertainment is in many instances provided free. Fun runs, whaler cruises and amusement rides are all on offer. A big mix of music acts perform at Customs House, City Pier and Hygienic Art Park. Pop, rock, jazz, blues, hip hop and Celtic are all on offer.

Maritime regattas and the Tall Ships are also a big attraction. The barque USCGC Eagle is the only tall ship on active duty in the USA and its homeport is New London. The 295 foot long vessel serves as a training ship for the Unite States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA).

Maritime regattas, including the Tall Ships, are another strong favorite. The 295 foot long barque US Coast Guard cutter Eagle is regularly a well-attended attraction at the festival. This vessel is the only tall ship remaining on active duty for the USA. Its homeport is New London as part of the US Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) based on the river at the northern perimeter of the town.

New London has a vibrant maritime history and strong association with the USCGA. The military institution was set-up in 1876 as a college to train degree-qualified Coast Guard officers. About 400 cadets gain entry to the academy each year. Admission is based on merit. It is very competitive, applications total more than 2,500. Approximately 200 cadets successfully graduate each year.

Hundreds of visitors arrive to the festival on private yachts. They moor at local marinas many of which offer perfect vantage points to enjoy the fireworks.

Sailfest is a gala event. All money raised by its activities for the benefit of the New London community. Most of the funds are allocated to projects in the town. Visitors needing accommodation find the nearby town of Mystic a convenient location. Hampton Inn & Suites in Mystic is one of the leading hotels in the town.

Get inside info on the most popular festival on the summer agenda in southeast Connecticut now in our complete guide to the Sailfest and the best hotels In Mystic Connecticut .