Thousands to gather for Conn. tall ships festival

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) - Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to gather along the shores of the Thames River for the tall ships festival, OpSail 2012, in southeastern Connecticut.

Twenty-four ships, including Navy and Coast Guard vessels, are scheduled to be on hand for the weekend event.

On Saturday morning, the ships were scheduled to proceed, single file, from Niantic Bay, past Waterford and down the Thames River to New London. The Coast Guard's tall ship, the Eagle, will lead the official parade.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and other dignitaries were expected to welcome the ships during ceremonies at Fort Trumbull State Park. That's where the OpSail's Freedom Festival will be held, which includes free music and entertainment.

Events are also planned as part of the 35th SailFest in New London.