About

To help commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States, for seven days in June 2026, more than 55 ships from 20 nations will engage with residents and visitors in ports and harbors across the Chesapeake Bay region in events and programs symbolic of the bonds of international goodwill. As a Sail Virginia℠ 2026 Affiliate Harbor, Cape Charles will welcome multiple tall ships to SailFest Cape Charles™ from June 19-22, 2026. The three ships – schooner Lynx, New Jersey’s tall ship AJ Meerwald and the majestic Kalmar Nyckel – will be open to the public for free tours from noon until 6:00 p.m. on June 21 and 22. The SailFest Cape Charles™ days-long series of special events will provide a wonderful means to tell the story of the contributions of the Eastern Shore during the Revolution and the establishment of our nation. SailFest Cape Charles™ promises to be a fun-filled, family friendly festival in and around Cape Charles Harbor. We expect to include schools, historians, boating enthusiasts, period re-enactors, local musicians, arts and artisans and many more groups from the area to help welcome and showcase the ships we'll host in our lovely town. Made possible with support from Town of Cape Charles. For more information, visit https://sailfestcapecharles.com