Folks prepare for the ride of their lives at OpSail

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Bring lots of water, sunscreen and an umbrella as you sail in to check out OpSail 2012.

The guests of honor made their way into Niantic Bay Friday.

Folks were getting ready to go on the ride of their lives Friday evening. LCAC's many were preparing to take a ride on, are usually used to transport troops and can hold as many as 300 marines.

The LCAC, which is 85 feet long is powered by four engines, two to lift it up above the water and two to propel it with massive force.

"I am very excited," said Barbara Neff, Sailfest. "We are setting up for Sailfest right now and I won't be able to go out on the parade of sail, but I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Did you see how powerful it was," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"Yes, a little nervous about that."

About a mile offshore was the USS Carter Hall, which transports the LCAC to wherever it's needed and the reason you can see the dock landing ship from a distance is because it's as big as three football fields. It is expected to follow behind the US Coast Guard's Barque Eagle, which will lead the parade of sail up the Thames River in New London Saturday morning.

"I'm just looking forward to seeing all the boats today," said Nathaniel Burton, visitor.

"Looking forward to see all the...how big they could be and how small," said Olivia Burton, visitor.

And they'll really be able to see about a dozen of those boats close up because they'll be able to climb on board.