The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding in 1776 – The United States of America’s Semiquincentennial.

For this milestone occasion, a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships, in an epic peacetime gathering, will sail into the port of Virginia as part of Sail250^® America.

In the tradition of the past five iconic OpSail events held in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads/Chesapeake Bay region since 1976, the fleet will once again bring extraordinary experiences and opportunities to every corner of our communities.

Sail250^® Virginia is honored to be among the elite group of US ports selected to host the 2026 Sail250^® America international fleet, including New Orleans, Baltimore, New York, and Boston.

For ten days in June 2026, 10,000 officers, cadets, and crews of more than 60 ships from 20 nations will engage with residents and visitors across the Chesapeake Bay region in events and programs symbolic of the bonds of international goodwill. 

At the helm of history—and the future.

Sail250^® VA is a once-in-a-generation event planned as part of the worldwide commemoration of this significant milestone in our nation’s history.