This book documents the grand gathering of tall ships in New York Harbor for the 1986 centennial celebration of the Statue of Liberty. It details the specific vessels that participated, offering descriptions and visual representations of these majestic sailing ships. The work also serves as an educational tool, identifying and explaining the various parts of a ship, providing context for the historical and technical significance of the event.

The book serves as a historical record and a visual guide to a significant maritime event. Its focus on the specific ships and their components suggests a readership interested in naval history, ship design, and the celebration itself. The inclusion of ship part identification indicates an aim to educate as well as document, likely appealing to both enthusiasts and those seeking a basic understanding of sailing vessels.