Bring back the big boats

We get it. We understand why people all across southeastern Connecticut are giddy that OpSail 2012 wants to make a port call to New London.

What an opportunity. A dozen years after the successful OpSail 2000 visit to the Thames River Harbor, the nonprofit organization tasked with advancing sail training and good will among nations has asked to add New London to its 2012 itinerary.

New London must say yes, which undoubtedly it will do, and the visit will provide opportunities not only for the Whaling City, but the region, too. There is work ahead, including needed repairs to City Pier, all for the chance to show off improvements made since almost 1 million people visited the OpSail ships here in 2000.

The 2012 flotilla will include tall ships and naval vessels, and the promise of a Blue Angels flight demonstration in every port city on the tour from New Orleans to Boston.

The occasion, commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, a two-year battle to control the seas that ended in a stalemate but showcased American naval vessels that outmaneuvered similar-sized British ships of the day.

OpSail 2012 will also celebrate the birth of the "Star Spangled Banner," our national anthem inspired by an American flag raised in 1814 at Baltimore's Fort McHenry to celebrate a crucial victory over the British.

The region's proud maritime history and the fact that it is home to the Submarine Base, Coast Guard Academy and Electric Boat make it an ideal port for the 2012 OpSail. And New London is going to need the support of the entire region to make the visit successful.

The only local battle in the War of 1812 was fought in Stonington, and back then, Groton was a part of New London. Groton Mayor Jim Streeter said his heart skipped a beat when he read in the morning newspaper that OpSail wants to return to the Thames River.

"We all should be jumping on the bandwagon," he said.

Tony Sheridan, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, agreed.

"It is wonderful. It brings a lot of attention worldwide, nationwide, to the city. We will throw the weight of the chamber behind this," Mr. Sheridan said.

That is the kind of effort and attitude that will be required. New London's City Council is expected to accept the invitation to be added to the itinerary Sept. 7 and move to hire an OpSail 2012 coordinator.

After that, it's full steam ahead.