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Ships Sail Into Boston Harbor For Navy Week, OpSail 2012

BOSTON (CBS)- This week, Navy Week hosts more than 20 ships from around the world at docks across Boston Harbor. The event is expected to draw crowds of thousands of people, and businesses are hoping to cash in on a busy holiday.

"We've modified our service out to the Boston Harbor Islands to include ship tours for Navy Week," says Missy Walker of Boston's Best Cruises.

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The company runs the MBTA ferries across the harbor. They think 2,500 to 3,000 people will take advantage of the ride to Georges or Spectacle Island.

Ships from the US, Canada, Europe and South America will be parked all over the city for sightseers enjoy.

WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports

OpSail 2012, which features a number of tall ships, is happening at the same time in Boston and is one of the signature events commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner.

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Additionally, there's Boston's own 4th of July celebrations. The big events are a pleasure for visitors like Namita Mishra of India.

"Boston is a great city. I have been to so many places!" said Mishra, who is here on business.

She was thrilled to see the ships in the harbor.

"This is amazing. We have never seen this kind of thing really. I'm [from] the plains of India and this is amazing really," she said.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Rod Fritz reports on the tall ships

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The Navy is hoping to amaze and dazzle with their big ships. The purpose of the event is to showcase the capabilities of our modern sailors.

More from WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic

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Ships like the USS Wasp, which arrived Thursday night, are making a big impact.

"We have something like this with majestic tall ships and the naval ships coming in, and people all of a sudden say 'Wow! This is my city. Look what it has to offer,'" said Walker.

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