How sailing ships reached ports far upriver

How did ocean-going sailing ships move upriver into major ports?

They used favorable winds and tides where possible, then relied on boats crewed by their own sailors or hired local craft to help tow or warp the ship when necessary.

Reaching London, New Orleans, or another port well inland did not depend on sail alone. A crew could work favorable wind and tidal flow, then put boats out to row and help move the ship when natural conditions were insufficient. A follow-up explains that this labor might come from the ship's own company or from hired local craft, while sailing tugs existed but were uncommon. The answer makes harbor access part of the practical seamanship and port services behind an ocean voyage.