Opsail 2012 Virginia

Each year Norfolk celebrates nautical history by displaying tall ships from all over the world, along with maritime events, children’s activities, local, regional and national entertainment, delicious food and a spectacular fireworks display.

Day 1: FRIDAY

Afternoon: Come aboard the Spirit of Norfolk or the Victory Rover for the Parade of Sails. Watch tall ships from around the world sail down the Elizabeth River in a spectacular two-hour parade. You will have the best view of the harbor, with 700 boats and vessels to see, as well as more than 20 international tall ships.

Day 2: SATURDAY

Morning: Come explore an outdoor festival on the water at Opsail. Ships from countries around the world including Italy, Brazil, Ecuador, Spain and the Netherlands have been invited to Norfolk’s waterfront for this spectacular event. Enjoy live music and great food. Tall Ships open for tours giving visitors the opportunity to explore the decks and talk to international sailors. Special private tours of the Tall Ships are available for groups from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday and Sunday.

Lunch: Stroll over to Granby Street, one block from Opsail. Experience over 30 locally-owned and -operated restaurants from American bistro to tapas to Mexican. Whatever your taste buds are, Granby will satisfy.

Afternoon: Take a bus tour of the world’s largest naval installation, Naval Station Norfolk. A knowledgeable, active-duty Navy guide will board your motorcoach and give a narrated tour of the base. Tour the MacArthur Memorial and discover the life and career of a five-star General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur. Located in Downtown Norfolk’s restored 1850s City Hall, the complex contains a museum, theater and special exhibit galleries.

Evening: Dinner, Fireworks and Ships! Sit in style for the fireworks on the tailfin of the Battleship Wisconsin. Before the fireworks, take a tour of Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin and Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Nauticus is a fun and exciting interactive science and technology center exploring the power of the sea. It features more than 150 exhibits, films and exotic aquatic life. Hampton Roads Naval Museum introduces you to over 200 years of naval history in Hampton Roads. Located next to Nauticus is the Battleship Wisconsin, the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin are located right next to Town Point Park. End your tour with a wonderful dinner at Nauticus. Do not forget you can also jump aboard the Victory Rover or Spirit of Norfolk for the best seat in the house for the fireworks!

Day 3: SUNDAY

Morning: Take a fun-filled boat ride or tram tour at Norfolk Botanical Garden. Explore the waterways or stroll the gardens and discover a variety of plants from the cultivated to the wild.