New London - Members of the OpSail 2012CT board expressed optimism Tuesday after a meeting with state officials in Hartford where they proposed that the state contribute $500,000 to the summertime tall ships event.

"We had a good conversation with OPM (Office of Policy and Management) people," board Chairman John Johnson said as he came out of a 5 p.m. event marketing meeting at the Gallery at Firehouse Square on Bank Street.

"They knew (the monetary request) was coming," he said. "They gave us no definitive answer. They said a week from Wednesday or Thursday there will be some indication of how much and when."

A spokesman for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy confirmed that state officials met today with organizers of OpSail2012CT, which seeks $500,000 in state funding for the tall ships festival. But he could not say whether the requested money will be made available.

"We expressed our ongoing willingness to partner with them in this effort," spokesman Andrew Doba said.

The governor's office believes there is still time for the state to make a funding decision.

Board member Peggie Ford Cosgrove said the state Commission on Culture and Tourism has a vested interest in the July 6-9 event, which Cosgrove said could draw 700,000 people to the greater New London area. "They recognize that," Cosgrove said of the tourism commission. "They understand that it's a major event in the state of Connecticut, second to none."

Earlier this month, Johnson said about $300,000 of the $1 million needed for the event has been raised. The state contribution would bring the group closer to its goal, he said, as well as encourage private investments.

"The amount of money we raise in the community and (across) the state is very much dependent on the state money," Johnson said. "No one wants to be the first out there, so they'll follow (the state's) lead."

Johnson also served as chairman of OpSail2000, which brought dozens of tall ships to New London's port and nearly 1 million visitors to the region.

The budget for OpSail 2000 was $6.2 million, largely financed by the state. Organizers that year spent $4.8 million, including funds for improvements to the waterfront. They returned the rest of the money.

Tall ships will travel to several U.S. cities, beginning April 17 in New Orleans and concluding in New London July 6-9.

The four-day New London event is part of a national maritime celebration marking the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the "The Star-Spangled Banner."

s.goldstein@theday.com