New London, Connecticut - "It's a cool, crisp morning and the sky is a clear vivid blue," according to Taras Szczur, Ukrainian-American liaison for the Tall Ship "Bat'kivshchyna." Today's Parade of Sail, scheduled to begin at 10am, is a continuation of the OpSail2000 expedition along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. At this moment, the ship is moving into lineup position along with 38 other ships just outside of the Nyantic Yacht Cub where it was docked.

Journalist Bethe Dufresne (The Day, New London), boarded the vessel in New York City and traveled up to Connecticut with the crew. In her opinion, the crew is "courageous, personable, fun" and best of all, "good sailors." Excitement and anticipation about the event is evident not only among the ship's passengers, but also the many smaller pleasure boats surrounding the Tall Ships, and the crowds gathering along the shore to watch the Parade of Sail. Read today's article published in The Day: "Underneath The Image, A Very Proud Ship" by Bethe Dufresne.

Last night, the Ukrainian community greeted Captain Dmytro Birioukovych and his crew at a reception organized by Connecticut Friends of Ukraine Expedition. Perfomances by Ukrainian dance and singing groups along with other community events are planned for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and it is expected that Connecticut's Governor John Rowland will be visiting the "Bat'kivshchyna."