The ship was likely the USCGC Eagle , the host flagship in the Sail4th 250 parade in New York Harbor. It was described as a 295-foot, three-masted barque, which would fit the tall ship with prominent orange-looking masts in photos from the event.

What it was

The USCGC Eagle is a U.S. Coast Guard training vessel and served as the parade’s flagship during the America 250 celebrations. Reuters also noted a large tall-ship parade in New York Harbor for the U.S. 250th anniversary, matching the event you’re referring to.

Why it stood out

Tall ships often have masts that can look orange, warm-toned, or coppery in certain light and photo angles, especially at sunset or under event lighting. In this parade, the Eagle was among the most prominent vessels and was repeatedly highlighted in coverage of the flotilla.

Likely match

If you saw a ship with orange masts near the center of the parade footage, the best match is:

  • USCGC Eagle — the official host flagship.
  • Possibly another tall ship in the flotilla, but the Eagle is the clearest named vessel repeatedly associated with the event.

If you want, I can help identify it from a screenshot or describe the other ships in that parade.