Hi Bill, sorry to hear that the New York visit wasn't up to snuff, hopefully Boston's showing will be as grand as it's been put up to be. There might be a difference between the Boston Parade & New York's. The two are handled by totally different organization's. Boston is the only official port on the mainland US for the TALL SHIP'S RACE 2000 whereas OP SAIL 2000 is a separate event though both envolve tall ships. I have no idea as to weither one is a better organizer than the other. Boston's last time hosting in 92 (Op Sail 92) was a poor showing on behalf of the city, water, electricity, pumping facilities, fuel access & poor planning for dock space were some of the complaints aside from the commerical exploiting at the cost of the crews (docking beside beer tents that mega blasted rock & roll alnight to sell their products). I should say that the city did respond within a few day to some of the oversights. Though the Russian sailors were selling their clothes for food. I'm shocked that there has been a request for maritime music this time around, last time it was up to the crews. Anyway here's to a hopefully spectacular time. Barry