What I Learned About Tall Ships in Virginia Beach
One of the most common questions I’ve been getting is:
“Will we see the ships under full sail?”
The honest answer is:
Possibly. And on July 3rd and July 4th, that’s when your chances are best.
After spending several days in Virginia Beach photographing Sail 250, I came away with a much better understanding of what visitors should expect when the fleet arrives in New York Harbor.
If your dream is seeing every ship charging across the harbor with every sail flying, the parade days are your best opportunity. The ships have to move, reposition, and participate in official events. Wind and weather will ultimately determine how much canvas goes up, but those are the days when the possibility is highest.
Once the ships are docked and open for public viewing, the sails are generally furled.
But here’s what surprised me.
The ships don’t need their sails up to leave you speechless.
Standing alongside vessels that have crossed oceans from around the world is something photographs simply cannot prepare you for.
I watched young cadets climbing high into the rigging. I watched crews working hundreds of feet above the water. I watched passengers on excursion boats stare up at masts that seemed to disappear into the sky.
The scale is unbelievable.
One moment that really stood out was seeing dozens of crew members sitting across the yards preparing sails. Looking through a long lens, it felt like stepping back in time. These weren’t actors. These were the actual crews that sail these historic vessels around the world.
Another thing I noticed was how many people came out on boats just to get closer.
From shore, the ships are impressive.
From the water, they’re unforgettable.
Being able to slowly cruise past these vessels, photograph them from every angle, and see details that most people never notice completely changes the experience.
Several times during my trip I found myself doing the same thing every morning and every evening:
Heading back out to see what new ships had arrived.
It felt a little like being a kid checking under the Christmas tree before Christmas morning.
Every time I looked, there was another ship on the horizon.
Another mast.
Another flag from another country.
Another incredible vessel preparing for the celebration ahead.
That’s why I keep telling people not to wait.
This isn’t an annual event.
The last time New York hosted a gathering on this scale was decades ago. Once these ships leave, they’ll scatter around the world again.
If seeing the Tall Ships under sail is at the top of your list, focus on July 3rd and July 4th.
If you simply want to experience one of the most impressive maritime events you’ll ever see, any of the Tall Ship trips will be something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
And if Virginia Beach taught me anything, it’s this:
The photos are impressive. The reality is even better.
I’d finish the blog with:
Get Closer Than Shore Ever Allows
Join us aboard the Jersey Girl June 30 through July 7 as we cruise among the Tall Ships of Sail4th 250 in New York Harbor.
Some memories fade.
Standing beneath the masts of a Tall Ship from around the world isn’t one of them.
Tickets and details: WhalesNJ.com
