Baltimore to Host Star Spangled Sailabration June 13-19

     Baltimore, Md. -- Mariners are advised the Port of Baltimore will be hosting the Star Spangled Sailabration 2012, an international maritime festival that will launch Maryland's three-year War of 1812 bicentennial efforts, from June 13 until June 19, 2012. This event will bring dozens of Navy vessels and tall ships from the United States and international navies to the port.

     In addition to a parade of sail and fireworks, an air show featuring a demonstration from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels is planned to be held in the vicinity of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, which temporarily will close portions of the main navigation channels. It is anticipated the increased activity associated with this festival will result in some disruption in and potential delays to normal port operations. All entities conducting business in the port, including, but not limited to shipping lines, port operators, and vessel agents should plan accordingly.

     Specific details on Coast Guard established safety zones and other waterway closures resulting from planned festival activities will be provided in future publications. For more information concerning the schedule of planned events, visit the Star Spangled 200 website at: http://www.starspangled200.com/events_list .

     Questions concerning this announcement can be direct to Coast Guard Sector Baltimore Waterways Management Division at 410-576-2519. Charts 12278, 12281.