OpSail 2012 Virginia Brings Tall Ships & Special Events

Hampton Roads is featuring an extraordinary event for the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, the writing of the Star Spangled Banner, planned together with the spectacle of OpSail 2012. OpSail 2012 Virginia is collaboration between Operation Sail Inc. (OpSail) national, the United States Navy, Norfolk Festevents, Portsmouth PortsEvents, and the 36th Annual AT&T Harborfest events, and hundreds of national, state and local organizations

June 8-10, 2012, the Port of Virginia will once again host an impressive fleet of tall ships, navy and military war ships representing the world. OpSail 2012 Virginia and Harborfest is planned to illuminate the community with spectacle and festivity, and will place our Commonwealth front and center on the world stage.

Tall ship 'KALMAR NYCKEL' will be participating in OpSail 2012 and along the
Portsmouth, Virginia waterfront. Photo by Joe Elder.

This will truly be a memorable maritime event, with exciting activities taking place throughout the region. OpSail 2012 Virginia is a $65 million production, projected to have an attendance of 1.5 million people during the 12 days. In addition, 4000 U.S. and foreign officers, cadets, crew and diplomats will be in town. Though the largest concentration of the ships will be available for boarding along the Norfolk waterfront, the City of Portsmouth will host the tall ship 'GAZELA' located next to the High Street Landing and in front of Skipjack Nautical Wares as well as the tall ships "HMS BOUNTY' and 'KALMAR NYCKEL' just a short walk down the seawall at Ocean Marine. Also, the USCG Cutter, the 'WILLIAM TATE' will docked along the seawall near the High Street Landing.

The tall ship 'GAZELA' will be next to the High Street landing and in front of
Skipjack Nautical Wares during OpSail 2012. Photo by Joe Elder.

Some of Skipjack's marine artists will be on hand, Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 to demonstrate different maritime skills, such as scrimshaw carving, knot-tieing, wood carving and other sailor and folk art skills. Selected work of art celebrating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 will also be on display during this spectacular event.

Original 19th century folk painting of "the Battle of Lake Erie" is part of Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Galleries annual folk art show titled "DON''T GIVE UP THE SHIP" celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012 Virginia. Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is located on Portsmouth, Virginia's waterfront next to the High Street Landing. Photo by Joe Elder.

OpSail 2012 Virginia is the perfect opportunity to visit Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery where you'll discover one of the finest collections of marine artwork, nautical antiques and decor, Chelsea marine clocks, authentic ship salvage, nautical lamps, lighting and furnishings, marine instruments as well as our own Skipjack Nautical Wears yachting apparel and jewelry. Skipjack is also the best place for nautical gifts too!

Skipjack's "Underway" Garment-Dyed Short Sleeve T-shirt in Red or Blue.

New for OpSail Virginia and in celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Skipjack's new "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP'  cotton T-shirts in Red, Navy and ash grey. All standard sizes available. Great for father's Day too!

For a listing of OpSail 2012 Virginia events to be held along Portmouth's downtown/Olde Towne seaboard, go to http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/events-schedule/portsmouth . For information about OpSail 2012 Virginia, go to http://www.opsail2012virginia.com/.

The tall ship 'KALMAR NYCKEL' during the parade of sail. Photo by Joe Elder.

We hope that you will come and be a part of this historical maritime event. While you are in the area, please stop by and peruse through our exceptional new art and diverse nautical inventory. We wish you fair winds and following seas. From the staff at Skipjack.

Skipjack nautical Wares & Marine Gallery is an Official OpSail 2012 Virginia Certified Business. http://www.skipjacknauticalwares.com.