The City of New Bedford is proud to welcome the Portuguese Navy’s iconic tall ship NRP Sagres back to its harbor for the first time since 2015. The historic vessel will arrive on Sunday, July 19, 2026, and remain in the city through Wednesday, July 22, offering the public a rare opportunity to tour one of Portugal’s most celebrated ships.
The visit highlights the deep maritime and cultural ties between New Bedford and Portugal, particularly the city’s vibrant Portuguese-American community.
“As one of the world’s most recognizable tall ships, the Sagres represents Portugal’s rich maritime heritage and the enduring connection between Portugal and New Bedford,” said [Official Name/Title]. “We are honored to welcome the crew and invite residents and visitors alike to experience this remarkable vessel.”
A Historic Ship with a Global Legacy
Serving as the Portuguese Navy’s sail training ship since 1961, NRP Sagres has a distinguished international history. Originally built in Germany in 1937 as the Albert Leo Schlageter, the three-masted steel barque later served as Brazil’s naval training ship before being acquired by Portugal and renamed Sagres.
The vessel is instantly recognizable by its white hull and sails emblazoned with the red Cross of the Order of Christ. Throughout its decades of service, Sagres has sailed around the world as a symbol of Portugal’s maritime tradition, including a 35,000-mile circumnavigation in 2010.
Returning to a Familiar Port
The 2026 visit marks Sagres’ third visit to New Bedford.
Its first visit in 1996 coincided with the dedication of the Prince Henry the Navigator Monument on Pope’s Island. During that historic visit, the ship transported authentic casks of Madeira wine as part of a traditional Vinho da Volta voyage, celebrating a centuries-old maritime wine-making practice.
In 2015, Sagres returned as part of the Tall Ships Challenge Atlantic Coast, welcoming thousands of visitors aboard during its stay.
Arrival Celebration and Public Tours
Sagres will dock at the Marine Commerce Terminal, 16 Blackmer Street, following a ceremonial escort into New Bedford Harbor by the city’s authentic Azorean Whaleboats and the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey, the official vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a National Historic Landmark.
An arrival ceremony at the terminal will feature a performance by Grupo Folkloric do Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, celebrating the region’s Portuguese heritage.
Following the ceremony, the public is invited aboard for free tours during the following hours:
- Sunday, July 19: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Monday, July 20: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 21: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 22: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The visit offers residents and visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most historic sailing vessels while celebrating the shared maritime heritage that has connected Portugal and New Bedford for generations.
