The rockets? red glare and bombs bursting in air were not seen as the fleet sailed up the harbor and passed Fort McHenry on Monday. The embattled fort, however, was the best location from which to view the push to the finish line for Leg Five of the Volvo Ocean Race. The region is welcoming the global event for the third time. Synchronized with the Port of Baltimore?s 300th anniversary celebrations, the renowned race brings international attention to Baltimore and Annapolis, where the racing boats will head before departing from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge May 7.

Adequate clearance is required in the waterways to accommodate the larger vessels now participating in the race. In anticipation of this leg of the race, the Maryland Port Administration provided placement of about 30,000 cubic yards of sediment dredged from channels in both the Annapolis and Baltimore harbors. Dredging took take place near the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore and the channel leading into Annapolis Harbor.