Historic Tall Ships To Return To Boston In 2017

Tall Ships will return to Boston Harbor in 2017, city officials said Wednesday.

An estimated 50 colossal vessels are expected to sail in June 17-22, 2017, marking the first "full" Parade of Sail in 17 years.

The last full parade in 2000 attracted 7 million people. The event was downsized in 2009 due to hefty security costs; only about 300,000 attended the smaller event that year.

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh said in prepared remarks that Sail Boston 2017 will be an economic booster for the city.

"These ships bring more than sailors to our city," he said in his remarks. "They bring business leaders, diplomats and tourists from all over the region, the country and the world."

For the 2000 event, visitors spent roughly $120 million, Walsh said.

Walsh added that Tall Ships will showcase the waterfront, which the city has significantly built up in recent years, with new developments and businesses moving into the area.

The 2017 fleet will be the largest ever with historic ships from around the world.

The international show will sail through Portugal, Bermuda, Quebec, France and Boston, making it the only American stop during the trip.