This year, for the first time ever, Operation Sail and the U.S. Navy have formed an official partnership. In celebration of the bicentennial of the Star-Spangled Banner and to commemorate the War of 1812, the parade will be called The Star-Spangled Sail.
The concept of Operation Sail, a parade of tall ships representing nations across the globe, began with a vision shared by late maritime historians Frank Braynard and IBMer Nils Hansell to bring the world’s remaining wind-ships together in an effort to foster global goodwill during an era of uncertainty. With dedication to their cause, this initiative received assistance from Sail Training International (then the British Sail Training Association). In the summer of 1964 this vision came to fruition as the first Operation Sail, becoming instantly iconic.
Today Operation Sail, or “OpSail,” is a non-profit organization dedicated to self-training and promoting goodwill among nations. Through the production of International tall ship events, OpSail strives to commemorate American maritime history. There have been four Operation Sails since the debut sail, each larger than the last and tied to an American historical event. They include the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, the restoration of the Statue of Liberty in 1986, and the celebration of the Millennium in 2000.
In the course of several weeks, Class A tall ships will journey to ports along the Atlantic Coast. As the ships parade into Hampton Roads, Hampton will be a prime viewing spot for this international event sure to leave you impressed. On June 6, 2012, Fort Monroe will host a viewing of the “Virginia Sea and Air Parade,” which will showcase many International Navy warships and grey hulls. On the June 8, the International Tall Ships will enter Hampton Roads in the “Virginia Parade of Sail.”
Hampton and its surrounding waterfront cities are working together to make sure that visitors receive the full OpSail experience in the days that this event takes place. On June 12, 2012, all warships and tall ships will depart in the “Virginia Parade of Sail up the Chesapeake.” Fort Monroe will again be a prime viewing spot as the ships pass from Hampton Roads through the channel into the Chesapeake Bay and begin their journey up the Chesapeake.
On June 1-3, the week prior to the ships’ arrival, Hampton will host the Blackbeard Pirate Festival on the downtown Hampton waterfront. This raucous festival was first held during OpSail 2000 as a means to celebrate Hampton’s maritime heritage and relationship with the notorious menace, Blackbeard—aka Edward Teach. Living history and family fun go hand-in-hand as Hampton reenacts and celebrates the demise of Blackbeard, one of the fiercest pirates ever known. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in early 18th-century Hampton with live entertainment, pirate encampments, children’s activities, sea battles, and fireworks. Plus, the tall ship Unicorn will dock in Hampton and open for deck tours. As the only all-female-crewed tall ship in the world, Unicorn sails with proven on-board leadership programs for teenage girls and women.
From the lively Blackbeard Pirate Festival to the awe-inspiring experience of OpSail 2012 Virginia, visitors are encouraged to plan to stay for the duration of the festivities. Travel packages are available that combine the festivities you won’t want to miss.
For more information about Hampton activities, events and celebrations during OpSail 2012 Virginia please call 800-800-2202 or visit http://www.opsail2012virginia.com.
