Deal opens tall ships to public

BOSTON - Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino have announced a plan to allow free public access to Tall Ships when they visit the city next month.

The plan announced Wednesday includes a $1 million contribution by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to cover security cost and an agreement by the Massachusetts Port Authority to covers the costs of docking at Massport’s piers.

Related Link: Sail Boston 2009

Patrick and Menino brokered the deal to end months of squabbling between Sail Boston organizers and the mayor. Menino had threatened to bar spectators from docks and said he would ask the Coast Guard to bar the Tall Ships from entering Boston Harbor unless organizers paid the city for security costs.

About 50 ships are to expected to arrive beginning July 8 and will stay until July 13.