I arrived at Avery Point at about 8:00am this morning trying to get a prime location to view OpSail 2012 coming into New London Harbor. Am I glad I did! Shortly later I had about 800 other people who had the same idea.

The Parade-of-Sail was slated to arrive at the Ledge Light house around 10:00am, but due to some anchor problems with the USCG Eagle the start was delayed for about on half hour.

There was a nice breeze coming off the water keeping hundreds of spectators happy as we all waited for a glimpse of any ship in the parade. Finally, at about 10:45am out on the horizon, and out of the sea haze were the masts of the Eagle.

It would take almost another hour for it make it’s way to Ledge Light. What a sight and worth the wait!

Here’s is just a sampling of what I captured on a great summer day by the ocean.

Notice the lucky guys on top of the lighthouse watching the ships as they go by!

A low altitude fly over by the USCG Rescue helicopter and Jet.

A spectator views the 250-foot three masted square rigged tall ship, the Cisne Branco from Brazil through his binoculars.

Here is a close up of this beautiful ship coming into the harbor.