OpSail Virginia 2012™

Operation Sail will once again bring the glory of tall ships to the American seaboard to celebrate the bicentennial of our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.  Operation Sail, (OpSail), a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting goodwill among nations, and the development of youth through sail training, was conceived in 1961 by Frank Braynard.  Following the endorsement of President John F. Kennedy, OpSail came to life in 1964 by successfully bringing the remaining tall ships of the world to New York City in conjunction with the 1964 World's Fair.

Since then, OpSail events have taken place in 1976 for the Bicentennial, 1986 for Lady Liberty's 100th, 1992 for the Columbus 500th, and 2000 for the Millennium - and each event has been larger than the last.

OpSail Virginia 2012™ will take place June 1-12, 2012 with affiliate events occurring throughout the Coastal Virginia region.  For more information on OpSail 2012 Virginia click here.

Chesapeake will have 2 affilliate events that are open to the public.

American Indian Festival - June 2-3, 2012

Once a year in June, Chesapeake travels back in time to explore and share Native American heritage at the American Indian Festival.  Presented by Nansemond Indian Tribe and Chesapeake Parks and Recreation, the festival features American Indian storytelling, traditional dancing, drumming, demonstrations and more.  For more information click here.

KayaXpedition - June 9-10, 2012

Come out to KayaXpedition and immerse yourself in a full weekend of history, technique, hands-on experience and fun of kayaking!  KayaXpedition includes on-water classes, and demonstrations directed to the novice and the experienced paddler.  Learn new strokes, rescues, or rolls with expert instruction and meet other knowledgeable paddle sport enthusiasts.  Dozens of commercial exhibitors will be on-hand to give you a chance to try before you buy.  You will also be able to test boats, paddles, and accessories on the water at the festival site.  You will also have the opportunity to speak with knowledgeable outfitters throughout the weekend.  Don't miss the Kayak, Canoe & SUP competitive 6-mile race! 

Not into paddling?  Come out to our Tall Ship Celebration at Great Bridge Battlefield Waterway & Historic Park for free deck tours of the A.J. Meerwald, live music, food vendors and the grand opening of the interpretive park.  Signage will be unveiled providing information about the history of the Battle of Great Bridge and the waterways of the region.

For more information click here.