Illustrate 1812 history for a chance to ride the Eagle

Operation Sail, Inc., announces an essay and art contest for high school students. The prize in each category, which will be awarded in New London and the other OpSail ports, will be a ride on the Coast Guard tall ship Eagle.

Essay contest entrants must write a 1,000-word essay on one of three topics: the role of the USS Constitution and the U.S. Navy in the War of 1812; "What The Star-Spangled Banner Means To Me"; or the role of the revenue cutter in action during the War of 1812.

Essays must be submitted as a Microsoft Word attachment in 12-point, Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. The entrant's name, email and port of interest must appear on the top right-hand corner of the front page. Essay entries should be emailed to opsail2012-essay@opsail.org.

Art contest entrants must submit a copy of their original watercolor, oil or pencil drawing/painting, no greater than 18 by 18 inches depicting one of three topics: "What The Star-Spangled Banner Means To Me"; a maritime scene from the War of 1812; or a revenue cutter in action during the War of 1812. Copies of original artwork must be submitted in JPG format under 6 MB. The entrant's name, email and port of interest must appear in the body of the email. Art entries should be emailed to opsail2012-art@opsail.org.

For additional contest emails, send email to contest@opsail.org or visit www.opsail.org.