Tall Ship Oliver Hazard Perry Returns To Newport

NEWPORT, RI — The tall masts and sails of Rhode Island's most recognizable tall ship have returned to Newport. The Oliver Hazard Perry is once again docked at Fort Adams State Park, ready for programs throughout the summer months. In late 2018, the nonprofit organization that owns the vessel overhauled the long-term plans for the ship, deciding to keep it in Rhode Island full-time rather than set sail on longer voyages during winter months.

Last fall, the organization considered several options for the ship's future, realizing their current model was not financially sustainable.

"We explored different options for the ship, even one of selling it to a corporation," said Avery Seaman, the organization's chair. "Really, the best plan for Oliver Hazard Perry is for her to remain here in Rhode Island serving the people of Rhode Island and adjacent coastal communities with year-round programming."

Instead of focusing on offshore voyages that only include small groups and come at a high cost, OHPRI will be operating more single-day, multi-day and dockside programs on a smaller scale that will extend opportunities to a larger audience.

The 200-foot, three-masted sailing school vessel took seven years and $12 million to build, taking her maiden voyage in 2015. More information on the ship and programs is available on OHPRI's website.