Coast Guard Tall Ship Ready For Visitors In Boston

BOSTON (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard says the largest tall ship that flies the stars and stripes will be in Boston and ready for some visitors.

Military officials say the cutter Eagle is 295 feet long and the only active square-rigger in U.S. government service.

Built in 1936 in Germany, the vessel will spend the weekend moored next to the USS Constitution in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Eagle was commissioned by the German Navy, and then claimed by the United States as a war reparation after World War II.

The ship has been a classroom at sea for future Coast Guard officers since 1946, and has more than 23,500 square feet of sail and six miles of rigging.

Coast Guard officials say free tours will be available Saturday and Sunday.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.