USS Constitution will celebrate victory over HMS Guerriere in 1812

Published on August 19 2012 by John

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The ship's sail compliment;

Fore topsail – 2,369 square feet

Main topsail – 3,366 square feet

Largest sail: 56 feet wide at the head (top), 50 feet high at the leeches (sides), and 74 feet wide at the foot (bottom).

Mizzen topsail – 1,617 square feet

Spanker – 1,697 square feet (weather/wind dependent)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

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BOSTON -

The USS Constitution will set sail Sunday to commemorate the 200th anniversary of her victory over the British frigate HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812.

It'll be the first time the ship has set sail since 1997. The last time Constitution sailed under her own power was to honor the ship’s 200th birthday.

This year’s sail will honor the Constitution’s victory over the HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812, marking the first time a United States ship defeated a Royal Navy frigate at or nearly equal size. It’s also the battle in which the ship earned her famous nickname “Old Ironsides.”

The sail will begin at approximately 10 a.m.

Once the Constitution is at President Roads -- between Deer Island and Long Island -- at approximately 11:30 a.m., the crew will set up to four sails and head toward open water for about 10 minutes.

After leaving President Roads, the ship will exchange a 21-gun salute with the Massachusetts Army National Guard's 101st Field Artillery Regiment, firing toward Fort Independence on Castle Island.

The 101st Field Artillery Regiment is the oldest regiment in the Army.

The ship will return to Charlestown by 3 p.m., and Old Ironsides will re-open for free public tours at 4 p.m.

The best place for the public to view the sail will be at the tip of Deer Island or Long Island, according to the U.S. Navy.

The Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year.