More than 60 vessels and 10,000 crew members will sail into Norfolk’s historic harbor next June for Sail250, part of America’s 250th anniversary festivities
By Leona Baker
It was a picture-perfect, sunny afternoon in May on the dock alongside the American Rover tall ship at Waterside Marina in Norfolk as local and state leaders, including Governor Glenn Younkin, gathered for the official launch of the one-year countdown to Sail250.
Sail250 is a maritime celebration in the tradition of previous OpSail events that will take place over 10 days in the summer of 2026, feature a fleet of international tall ships and military ships sailing into the port of Virginia, and coincide with the annual Harborfest.
The event is part of a larger series of statewide and national celebrations to take place next year marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States—or semiquincentennial (try saying that fast five times)—and the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
“More than just a spectacle, Sail250 honors our naval heritage, promotes international good will and will bring millions in economic activity, thousands of international visitors and unforgettable experiences to families across the Commonwealth,” said Karen Scherberger, President & CEO of Sail250 Virginia.
In his speech marking the occasion, Governor Younkin cited the Commonwealth’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, including the work of famous Virginians like Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
“We are reminded that America was really founded by Virginians,” Youngkin said. “This story is one that we have to remind ourselves is part of not just our national narrative but Virginia’s.”
For 10 days in June 2026, 10,000 officers, cadets, and crews of more than 60 ships from 20 nations will visit the Chesapeake Bay region with stops in Alexandria, Cape Charles, Chesapeake, Hampton, Onancock, Portsmouth, Richmond, Smithfield, Virginia Beach and Yorktown. The famed Parade of Sail take place on June 19, during which visitors can catch a glimpse of the magnificent ships as they sail along a 26 nautical mile route from the Lynnhaven Anchorage to Town Point Park.
Scherberger noted that the event will be one of the largest and most historic maritime commemorations in Virginia history and will honor Norfolk’s naval prowess and heritage as a “harbor of history” and “global port of good will and celebration.”
“Sixty vessels with 10,000 crew members will sail into this mighty harbor,” Youngkin told the crowd gathered for the launch before a chorus of tugboat horns resounded across the Elizabeth River. “[They will] once again help us remember that America is a lot more than just a declaration. It was a nation that was founded on an idea.”
Learn more about Sail250 at sail250virginia.com. See also va250.org and america250.org for information on statewide and national events marking the United States Semiquincentennial.
Schedule of Events
Coming in 2026 as part of America’s 250th Anniversary celebration
June 15 –July 1, 2026
2026 Norfolk Navy Fleet Week/International Fleet Exercise 250, Naval Base Norfolk
June 12-14, 2026
Sail Virginia 2026 Affiliate Harbors Affiliate Harbor Ship Visits: Alexandria, Hampton, Onancock, Richmond, Yorktown, Smithfield/Isle of Wight
June 18, 2026
Sail250 Virginia Fleet Rendezvous, Lynnhaven Anchorage, Virginia Beach
June 19-22, 2026
Sail250 Virginia Parade of Sail (Friday, June 19) Virginia Beach, Hampton, Portsmouth, Norfolk and Sail250 Norfolk host city international ship visits and special events
June 19-22, 2026
Sail Virginia 2026 Affiliate Harbors Ship visits and special events: Virginia Beach, Cape Charles, Chesapeake, Portsmouth
June 23, 2026
Sail250 Viginia Fleet Departs for Baltimore
Photo above of a previous OpSail event, courtesy of Sail250.
Leona Baker
Leona Baker is the former Editor-in-Chief of Coastal Virginia Magazine. She is a writer, creative, communications professional, food freak, news junkie, nature and travel lover and mom. She holds a degree in English from James Madison University and a degree in Dance & Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. She previously served as Senior Copywriter for Spark 451, Director of Marketing & Communications at Virginia Wesleyan University, and Senior Editor of Port Folio Weekly.
