Sail Baltimore has been bringing the ships to Baltimore since 1975!

Sail Baltimore provides a free program of visiting ships and maritime events to Baltimore residents and visitors. We are one of the city’s premier waterfront attractions, a changing museum in the Inner Harbor in which residents and visitors alike can learn about maritime history – past and present – and different cultures. Through our visiting ships program, vessels come and go throughout the year – staying for anywhere from one day to one week – and open their decks to the public for free tours. Because of Sail Baltimore’s efforts to bring ships to Baltimore and publicize each visit, visitors are able to board and tour unique ships, learn about different cultures, interact with people from around the world, and learn about navigation, geography, technology and maritime history.

Our Learn the Ropes program optimizes the unique educational value of Sail Baltimore’s visiting ships program. We bring youth from Baltimore and surrounding communities on board ships for educational tours, promoting learning, and cultural exchange and understanding.

Sail Baltimore also hosts and participates in maritime events throughout the year. This year, as a Star-Spangled Sailabration Official Partner, we brought more than 40 vessels – tall ships, naval vessels and others – to Baltimore June 13-19 for this historic event. We hold two annual fundraising galas, a summer fundraiser and our signature fall fundraiser, Beer, Boats and Ballads. We are also a partner in several annual maritime events in Baltimore: Privateer Day, the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race and Baltimore’s Parade of Lighted Boats.

Our programs and events support our mission of contributing to Baltimore’s economic development, providing educational opportunities and fostering cultural exchange.

Sail Baltimore, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, operates with a volunteer board of directors and a small staff. We also depend on volunteers from our membership and the community to keep us on course. Our programs are supported mostly through corporate and individual donations, both cash and in-kind, and some public funding. We are always seeking new sponsors, supporters, members and volunteers to support our programs and events.