Countdown is on for Sail 250 Virginia set to take place in Norfolk next June
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The official count down is on for Sail 250 Virginia in Norfolk.
The event kicks off next June and will bring more than 60 ships to the region to celebrate Americas 250th birthday.
State and local leaders came together during an event Friday afternoon to announce the official countdown to Sail 250.
'The ships at this time next year will be underway, making their way across the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean,' said Karen Scherberger, president and CEO of Sail 250 Virginia. 'We'll have over 65 ships from 20 different countries, bringing 10,000 if not more, crew members.'
Scherberger said they've been planning for this since 2019.
Norfolk is one of five U.S. ports that will host the event, and it will take place for 10 days next June. There will also be ships and events in 10 other Virginia waterfront cities during that time.
'It's coming together to recognize that we have collaboration from folks all over Hampton Roads and all over Virginia, not to mention four other partner port cities around the country who are going to celebrate America's heritage that is a maritime heritage,' Gov. Glenn Youngkin said.
Youngkin was one of many Virginia leaders in Norfolk to talk about the special occasion.
'For Sail 250, we stand together and for Sail 250, we anticipate an extraordinary celebration,' Youngkin said.
With more than three million total visitors expected, the event could bring in millions of dollars in revenue.
'The last time we had an event like this, in 2012 we recorded over $150 million in economic activity over the period of time that the ships were here, not just in Norfolk, but in the other regional cities that participate as well,' Scherberger said. 'Every corner that you look into, there is some benefit that everyone will receive.'
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