BOSTON EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Beside Old Ironsides: A Fourth‑of‑July Turnaround Sail Aboard Fame
A three‑hour Independence Day sail from Waterside Avenue to Castle Island to watch the USS Constitution fire a 21‑gun salute while enjoying breakfast aboard the schooner Fame.
Beside Old Ironsides: A Fourth‑of‑July Turnaround Sail Aboard Fame.
Celebrate America's birthday on Boston Harbor aboard the historic schooner Fame as the USS Constitution transits to Castle Island and fires a 21‑gun salute at exactly 12 noon—the centerpiece of a three‑hour turnaround sail that offers a rare chance to tack alongside the oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Old Ironsides' Turnaround
The centerpiece of the outing is the USS Constitution’s transit to Castle Island and the precisely timed 21‑gun salute at 12:00 noon—an anchored, historic spectacle around which the sail is scheduled.
Aboard the Schooner Fame
Passengers board the tall ship Fame and sail alongside the Constitution; continental breakfast (coffee, tea, assorted pastries) is included, and refreshments are available for purchase on board.
A Precision Morning on the Harbor
The excursion departs from the dock at 11:00 and is timed so the Constitution’s noon salute occurs during the three‑hour outing, making punctual boarding essential.
What the day feels like
What the morning feels like
You board at the Waterside Avenue dock and get underway at 11:00. The schooner slips through Boston Harbor with coffee and pastries on deck, positioning to pass the USS Constitution as she transits toward Castle Island and delivers a 21‑gun salute at exactly noon—after which the sail completes its three‑hour outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and small practical limits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The sail is three hours long and gets underway from 10 Waterside Avenue, Boston; boarding begins before the 11:00 departure so the vessel can position for the noon salute.
Light layers for wind and sun, a camera secured with a strap, and any snacks or a bag lunch you prefer—coolers and outside beverages are not allowed. Continental breakfast (coffee, tea, pastries) is included.
Drinks—including local beers, wine, and spirits—are available for purchase on board; payment options include cash, credit, and Apple Pay.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the sail?
The outing lasts three hours.
When does the boat depart?
The vessel gets underway from the dock at 11:00.
Will I see the USS Constitution fire her guns?
Yes; the USS Constitution transits to Castle Island and fires a 21‑gun salute at exactly 12:00 noon during the turnaround sail.
Is food provided?
Continental breakfast—coffee, tea, and assorted pastries—is included with your ticket; snacks and bag lunches are also welcome.
Can I bring a cooler or outside drinks?
No—coolers and outside beverages are not allowed on board.
How can I pay for drinks on board?
Onboard drinks can be purchased with cash, credit, or Apple Pay.