Celebrating OpSail 2012 Virginia at Skipjack Nautical Wares

On the horizon lies a historic American milestone, an extraordinary occasion 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 and the 36th Annual AT&T Harborfest events, and hundreds of national, state and local organizations.

From June 1 -12, 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.

Skipjack Nautical Wares & Marine Gallery will be presenting their annual Marine Folk Art show concurrently with OpSail 2012 Virginia, opening Thursday, May 31st, 2012 and running throughout the month of June. This years show is titled "Don't Give Up the Ship"  in celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.

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.

Folk carvings by Jac & Patricia Johnson  will be on
display during  "Don't Give Up the Ship" folk art show
celebrating the Bicentennial of  the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012.
Photo by Joe Elder.

Some of Skipjack's associate 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.

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!

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

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/.

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