New London — Organizers of OpSail2012CT announced today that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will serve as honorary chairman of the four-day event July 6-9.

Organizers expect the event to draw tall ships from around the world to the New London area next summer for an expansive waterfront festival. OpSail2012CT is part of a national maritime celebration that will travel to six U.S. cities and Puerto Rico to mark the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812 and the writing of the The Star-Spangled Banner. 

 “We are thrilled to have Governor Malloy as our honorary chairman,” said John S. Johnson, Chairman OpSail2012CT, who also served as chair when OpSail2000CT came to New London in 2000. “The governor’s participation brings statewide recognition to this event and signals his belief in what we see as our mission -- not only to celebrate our history and create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all who attend, but also to generate a real economic benefit for the region.”