Ships arrive for OpSail 2012

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) -- OpSail 2012 is sailing into Connecticut. The ships have already begun to arrive, in fact one of the Navy vessels made quite an entrance in Niantic.

New London's waterfront is heating up. The vendors and volunteers have arrived.

"Something smells good," said News 8's Tina Detelj.

"Oh yeah, we are doing sausage and peppers right now," said Maurice Beebe, North End Deli, "getting ready for today's festivities."

And so have the visitors.

"What are you guys going to do here today," asked Detelj.

"Just walk around, enjoy the area," said Jaclyn Bean, of Brooklyn. "Nice to get down by the water and go to the festival."

There are games and rides, and Bean's nephews and niece plan on doing it all.

"I'm sure of it, me too," said Olivia and Benjamin Burton.

800,000 people are expected in New London and Niantic starting Friday, making OpSail 2012 the state's largest event.

"It's a great exposure for us and it just helps us with the economy keeping things going," said Beebe.

The way this weekend works is that all the usual Sailfest vendors and events will be taking place along the waterfront and the OpSail folks are bringing in the tall ships and US Coast Guard and Navy boats, and they'll be docked along the piers, including the pier at Fort Trumbull and State Pier, so people can climb on board.

Added attractions, which could bring more visitors to local businesses hoping for fair seas and following winds. Stone Fleet Tavern opened just six weeks ago.

"We're prepared to serve 10,000 people," said Mark Sebastianelli, Stone Fleet Tavern.

For those who would like to check out OpSail, check out the train schedule here .

For more information visit the OpSail 2012 website