Virginia Affiliate Harbors
Several Virginia localities will be joining the official Sail250® Virginia host port of Norfolk, VA in welcoming tall ships in June 2026. These Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbors include Alexandria, Cape Charles, Chesapeake, Hampton, Onancock, Portsmouth, Richmond, Smithfield/Isle of Wight, and Yorktown. In addition to these harbors, Virginia Beach will host the international fleet of ships at the Lynnhaven anchorage prior to the parade of sail into downtown Norfolk. This collaboration exemplifies the strong regional cooperation that exists as we celebrate the region’s rich maritime history and industry, the importance of our military community, and Virginia’s connections to the international community.
Sail Virginia℠ 2026 events will take place across Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region over two weekends in June 2026:
June 12-15, 2026
Alexandria, VA
Hampton, VA (June 12-14, 2026)
Onancock, VA
Richmond, VA
Smithfield/Isle of Wight, VA (June 12-14, 2026)
Yorktown, VA (June 12-14, 2026)
June 19-22, 2026
Cape Charles (June 19-21, 2026)
Chesapeake, VA
Portsmouth, VA
Norfolk, VA - Official Sail250® Virginia Host City (June 19-23, 2026)
On the afternoon of June 18 and early on the morning of June 19, 2026, the international fleet will be visible at anchor in the Lynnhaven anchorage near the Lesner Bridge in Virginia Beach. The fleet will begin departing the anchorage at 7AM on Friday, June 19, 2026 for the Parade of Sail into downtown Norfolk.
As the Sail250® Virginia host City, Norfolk, VA will host the international fleet of tall ships and military vessels from June 19-23, 2026.
Alexandria, VA
June 12-14, 2026
With centuries of history and hospitality to its credit, Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor Alexandria offers an array of historic and cultural attractions. As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Sails on the Potomac will highlight Alexandria’s role in helping construct the foundation of the revolution. From the creation of the Fairfax Resolves to being the hometown of George Washington, Alexandria played a unique role in the birth of our new nation and its impact on today. Join us as we commemorate America’s Story in Alexandria with music, family activities, exhibits, tours, public art, educational programs, and more!
Contact: Gretchen Bulova, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria - gretchen.bulova@alexandriava.gov
Cape Charles, VA
June 19-21, 2026
Cape Charles is very excited to host multiple tall ships at SailFest Cape Charles™, a Sail Virginia℠ 2026, Affiliate Harbor event, on June 19-21, 2026. This celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will provide a wonderful means to tell the story of the contributions of the Eastern Shore during the revolution and the establishment of the new nation. The SailFest Cape Charles™ committee is hard at work planning a fun-filled, family friendly festival in and around the Cape Charles Harbor. We expect to include schools, historians, boating enthusiasts, local musicians and many more groups from the area to help welcome and showcase the ships we'll host here in Cape Charles. For more information, visit https://sailfestcapecharles.com/.
Contact: Patsy Harris, Vice President, Cape Charles Main Street - patsy@capecharlesmainstreet.com
Chesapeake, VA
June 19-22, 2026
Celebrate the City of Chesapeake’s vibrant history and maritime heritage along the sparkling waterways of Battlefield Park at our Charter to Chesapeake event, June 19-23, 2026. As a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor, we invite you to experience interactive living history demonstrations, visit a tall ship, feast from local food trucks, and explore the historic trails and views of the Intracoastal Waterway. With over 80 beautiful parks and historic sites, to the bounty of our abundant farmer’s markets and lively local dining spots, you’ll discover what makes Chesapeake an incredible place to live, learn, work, farm, and play.
Contact: Jessica Cosmas, Historical Services Manager, City of Chesapeake - jcosmas@cityofchesapeake.net
Hampton, VA
June 12-14, 2026
Celebrate the City of Hampton’s rich maritime history as we host tall ships at the Blackbeard Pirate Festival June 12-14, 2026. Once a year, visitors from all over the country enjoy the sights and sounds of 18th century Hampton overrun by pirates. Our waterfront comes alive with dozens of pirate reenactors, led by Blackbeard himself, who transform today’s Hampton into the busy seaport of yesterday. Join us for the festival and enjoy a variety of children’s activities, live musical entertainment, fireworks, period vendors, arts and crafts, and much more. Tp learn more about Hampton's events, click here - https://visithampton.com/hampton-va-250/.
Contact: Mary Fugere, Director, Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau - mary@hamptoncvb.com
Onancock, VA
June 12-15, 2026
Discover the charm of Onancock, VA, at the Onancock Sails Forward event. Onancock is an Affiliate Harbor for Sail Virginia℠ 2026, nestled in a walkable town known for its award-winning marina. Enjoy a variety of dining options at seven restaurants, explore art galleries and studios, and visit historic sites and museums. Experience premium accommodations at a boutique hotel or B&B, walk to see 18th and 19th-century homes and indulge in outdoor activities like kayaking on Onancock Creek.
Contact: Debbie Caton, Director of Administration, Town of Onancock - debbie.caton@onancock.com
Portsmouth, VA
June 20-21, 2026
Contact: Peter Glagola, Director, Marketing, and Communication, City of Portsmouth - glagolap@portsmouthva.gov
Richmond, VA
June 12-14, 2026
The City of Richmond and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture are proud to partner in hosting Richmond SailFest, a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor. Kicking off Central Virginia’s countdown to America’s 250th anniversary, Richmond will host several impressive tall ships June 12 to 14 along with dockside entertainment and concessions. This free, family-friendly, weekend-long festival will feature ship tours, live music and performances, historical re-enactors, exhibitions of history and art, and much more. The evening of Saturday, June 13, will end with an epic display of fireworks over the James River! Activities will take place at Dock Street Park and Intermediate Terminal. Learn more at VirginiaHistory.org/SailFest.
Contact: Michael Plumb, Virginia Museum of History & Culture – mplumb@VirginiaHistory.org
Smithfield/Isle of Wight, VA
June 12-14, 2026
"Smithfield and Isle of Wight County are thrilled and proud to be a participating Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor. We anticipate a tremendous amount of interest and engagement in our Smithfield Maritime Rendezvous event that will take place on the historic banks of the Pagan River in June 2026. The experience will include not only the pageantry of a tall ship, but traditional local work boats and unique pleasure crafts; a VIP onboard reception; a Boardwalk Maritime Art Show; and an old-fashioned home-made raft race,” said Judy Winslow, Director of Tourism for Smithfield & Isle of Wight County & the Affiliate Harbor Event Coordinator. “We hope visitors will make an entire weekend out of their stay to be able to enjoy the Rendezvous event as well as taking in all of the other outdoor, culinary and cultural activities that make Smithfield, VA a popular destination for boating enthusiasts of all ages.”
Contact: Judy Winslow, Director, Smithfield & Isle of Wight Tourism - jwinslow@isleofwightus.net
Virginia Beach, VA
June 16-19, 2026
The international fleet of tall ships will gather at the Lynnhaven Roads anchorage off Virginia Beach between Tuesday, June 16 and Thursday, June 18, 2026. On the morning of Friday, June 19, 2026, the Parade of Sail will depart from the anchorage, beginning at 7AM.
Contact: Kelli Norman, Interim Vice President of Tourism, Sales, and Marketing - knorman@vbgov.com
Yorktown, VA
June 12-14, 2026
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at the Sail Yorktown Festival, an official SailVirginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor event! From June 12–14, 2026, witness breathtaking tall ships and military vessels as they grace the York River. The excitement kicks off on Friday, June 12, with an opening ceremony. Throughout the weekend, enjoy a spectacular Parade of Sail, free deck tours, live entertainment, living history demonstrations, reenactments, live firings, military drills, storytelling, and more. For more information, visit https://visityorktown.org/821/Sail-Yorktown-Festival.
Contact: Darren Williams, Deputy Director, York County Economic and Tourism Development - darren.williams@yorkcounty.gov
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