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
Onancock, VA
Richmond, VA
Smithfield/Isle of Wight, VA
Yorktown, VA
June 19-22, 2026
Cape Charles
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 12-15, 2026
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.
Contact: Patsy Harris, Vice President, Cape Charles Main Street - patsy@capecharlesmainstreet.com
Chesapeake, VA
June 19-22, 2026
Contact: Jessica Cosmas, Historical Services Manager, City of Chesapeake - jcosmas@cityofchesapeake.net
Hampton, VA
June 12-15, 2026
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 19-22, 2026
Contact: Peter Glagola, Director, Marketing, and Communication, City of Portsmouth - glagolap@portsmouthva.gov
Richmond, VA
June 12-15, 2026
As Virginia’s capital and a vibrant hub of history, culture, and innovation, the City of Richmond is proud to serve as a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor. Nestled along the scenic James River, Richmond boasts a rich maritime heritage that dates back to the nation’s founding, connecting past and present through its waterways. Our harbor welcomes visitors to explore the city’s dynamic riverfront, enjoy world-class events, and experience the enduring spirit of adventure that defines our community during Tall Ships RVA. From historic Shockoe Bottom to the thriving arts and culinary scenes, Richmond offers a unique blend of tradition and creativity that makes it a premier destination. We invite you to set sail and discover all that Richmond has to offer during this historic celebration.
Contact: Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, City of Richmond - sabrina.joy-hogg@rva.gov
Smithfield/Isle of Wight, VA
June 12-15, 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 18-19, 2026
Contact: Kelli Norman, Interim Vice President of Tourism, Sales, and Marketing - knorman@vbgov.com
Yorktown, VA
June 12-15, 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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