Planning Sailabration no breeze for region's police, emergency teams

Keeping up to 1 million spectators safe on land and water a major challenge

"The Blue Angels box essentially cuts the Inner Harbor from the river," said Coast Guard Cmdr. John Burns. "Boaters will not be able to cross the box or anchor in it. Plan ahead, pick a spot and have all you need with you."

In anticipation of the air shows, organizers say it is likely Fort McHenry's grounds will reach capacity by 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Crowds will be directed to the Inner Harbor and Fells Point, where large screens will beam the show, with Blue Angels' commentary, live.

A network of hundreds of city cameras tied to downtown command centers will provide real-time information to not only ensure that viewing areas don't become overcrowded but also to look for traffic bottlenecks and keep the peace.

Police spokesman Guglielmi said that enhancements are being made to the CitiWatch camera system, but declined to elaborate. During a tour of the center last month, police showed off a new high-definition camera and monitor that eliminated glare from flashing lights, and license plate readers attached to cameras that can pinpoint stolen cars.

The clock at the Sailabration downtown operations center starts at 8 a.m. Monday and won't be unplugged "until the last ship leaves," Maloney said. "Then we begin planning for their return in September 2014. That will be the Grand Prix times 20."

Baltimore Sun reporters Peter Hermann and Julie Scharper contributed to this article.

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