Just as the World Cup wraps up in Boston, the tall ships will sail into our midst.

Large crowds are expected around Boston Harbor on Saturday for the arrival of more than 50 tall ships and military vessels representing more than 20 countries as part of the Sail250 celebration.

A military brass quintet heralded the beginning of the much-anticipated tall ships event, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators on Saturday to viewing spots around the harbor.