Governor Rell: $50,000 Grant to Help
New London Plan for Possible OpSail 2012 Event
Grant Recognizes Major Economic Impact of Event –
OpSail 2000 Drew Nearly 1 Million to Southeastern Connecticut
September 9, 2010
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state is awarding the City of New London a $50,000 planning grant as the community considers joining OpSail 2012, a “tall ships” event similar to the 2000 celebration that drew nearly 1 million people to New London Harbor and featured nearly 40 sailing vessels.
“OpSail 2000 was not only a great time for families and fans of our maritime tradition, it was also a tremendous showcase for New London and southeastern Connecticut – and a major economic ‘shot in the arm’ for the region,” Governor Rell said. “Estimates put attendance for the three-day event in 2000 at nearly 900,000 people. OpSail 2012 would be another boost for New London and the surrounding communities as well as another opportunity for our state to shine in a national spotlight.
“This planning grant – which comes from funds within the Department of Economic and Community Development – recognizes the potential of an event like OpSail 2012,” the Governor said. “New London’s sea-going history and the region’s place of honor today as one of our top tourist destinations make OpSail an ideal fit and the possibility of its return to the area a thrilling prospect.”
New London Mayor Robert M. Pero thanked Governor Rell and DECD for the state assistance.
“This grant demonstrates the state’s clear understanding of the economic impact an event like OpSail 2012 would have on New London and all of southeastern Connecticut,” Mayor Pero said. “Bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area would be a coup in any economic climate – but to have it happen as we continue to recover from this recession would be especially welcome. We look forward to working with OpSail, the state and all our other partners to make this exciting project a reality.”
In 2000, the non-profit organization Operation Sail Inc., best known as OpSail, held a series of “tall ships” events in ports all along the Atlantic seaboard, including Baltimore, New York City and Boston. The itinerary also included a highly successful stop in New London.
In April, OpSail – which was founded in the 1960s as a way of encouraging peace and goodwill among nations – announced it was considering a series of events to mark the 2012 bicentennial of the 1812 war between Britain and the United States and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The group expressed an interest in again having New London be one of the ports of call. The 2012 plan already calls for events in New Orleans, Norfolk, Va., Baltimore and Boston as well as during Fleet Week in New York.
The 2012 event, if held in New London, would coincide with that city’s annual Sailfest celebration.
