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Sail4th 250 in NYC
New York Harbor welcomed more than 40 tall ships to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary, with the largest vessels parading up the Hudson River on Saturday from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge.
“NEW YORK -- Dozens of small vessels sailed down the East River on Friday as New York City got a preview of this weekend's major maritime celebration honoring America's 250th anniversary”
The Sail4th 250 parade brought more than 30 tall ships from around the world to the Hudson River, and PIX11 said a massive formation of U.S. and international aircraft led by the Blue Angels flew over the Verrazzano Bridge.
Among the U.S. ships on display, PIX11 highlighted the 295-foot U.S. Coast Guard Cutter EAGLE, which has been used to train Coast Guard cadets since 1946.
The gCaptain report said the U.S. contributed three tall ships, including the US Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, a 295-foot barque with three masts used to train cadets since 1946.
Sailors and ships were scheduled for public viewing, with gCaptain saying ships are docked and open for free tours at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, South Street Seaport and Stapleton Park through July 7.
Route, aircraft, and crowds
FOX 5 New York said the multi-day celebration runs through July 8, with the ship parade serving as its centerpiece, and organizers expected more than 6 million visitors to travel to the region.
FOX 5 New York also listed confirmed tall ships representing countries including Argentina, India, Monaco, the Netherlands, Uruguay, and the United Kingdom, while naming U.S. vessels expected to take part including the USCG Eagle, Harvey Gamage, Elissa, Ernestina Morrissey, Angelique and When and If.
ABC7 Bay Area described a Small Ships Parade on Friday that sailed down the East River, starting from the Hell Gate Bridge in Astoria, Queens, to the South Street Seaport Museum ahead of Saturday’s Sail4th 250.
ABC7 Bay Area said Saturday’s Sail4th 250 parade is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m., with ships sailing north on the Hudson River from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge.
The same ABC7 Bay Area report said the Vice President of the United States and the acting Secretary of the Navy are expected to observe the procession aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3).
Heat forces cancellations
Le Soir reported that several celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary were canceled due to suffocating heat, with the Independence Day parade planned for Saturday morning in Washington canceled.
“NUEVA YORK — La ola de calor extremo sigue azotando a Estados Unidos durante el ajetreado festivo del 4 de julio, Día de la Independencia, con pronósticos de temperaturas récord y humedad sofocante en el noreste y los estados del Atlántico Medio, además del riesgo de tormentas eléctricas en esta última región hasta el domingo”
Le Soir said temperatures approached 37°C in Washington, and with humid air the felt heat could reach about 43°C.
In New York, Le Soir said temperatures were expected to be around 38 degrees, intensified by humidity, as the city hosted a large naval and aerial display and Macy’s fireworks at night.
Le Soir also reported that in New Jersey, about 180.000 homes were without electricity after a strong storm hit the state and damaged infrastructure including NJ Transit train network systems.
The same Le Soir account tied the heat to disruptions across the region, noting that emergency services reported 44 people needed care for heart problems in Washington D. C. on Friday, and a quarter of them were hospitalized.
