Tickets are being released for timed tours of four tall ships at Sails on the Potomac, one of Alexandria’s events celebrating America250.
The festival will coincide with the ALX Jazz Fest from June 12-14 at Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street). The city is planning numerous events for America250, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Four tall ships will serve as the backdrop to the weekend festival and the 48th annual ALX Jazz Fest. Tours will run from 12-6 p.m. on each of the three days. Attendees are encouraged to reserve free 30-minute timed tickets to visit the tall ships. A walk-up line will also be available, though entry is not guaranteed.
The featured tall ships include the Kalmar Nyckel, a full-size replica of a Swedish Navy warship and colonial vessel; the Sultana, a full-size replica of a Royal Navy schooner that played a role in tensions leading up to the American Revolution; the Providence, a replica of an early Continental Navy ship docked in Alexandria; and the Gazela, the largest oldest ship at the festival dating back to 1883 as a fishing vessel.
Tickets are required for all attendees of all ages, and service animals are permitted. Strollers will not be allowed on the historic tall ships. Most are not wheelchair accessible, with the exception of lightweight wheelchairs on the Sultana. The Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center is wheelchair accessible. Walkers are permitted on the gangway, but attendees must navigate steps down to dock.
Sails on the Potomac kicks off Friday, June 12 with an opening ceremony from noon to 1 p.m. featuring remarks and performances by George Mason University’s Patriots Fife and Drum Corps. ALX Jazz Fest performances begin at noon each day, running until 6 p.m. on Friday, June 12 and Sunday, June 14, and until 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 13.
Sails on the Potomac will also offer another chance to catch waterfront fireworks this summer. Fireworks are set for 9 p.m. Saturday, June 13. The city’s other fireworks event is the Alexandria/USA Birthday Celebration on Saturday, July 11 at Oronoco Bay Park.
Additional events at Sails on the Potomac will include a 250th history village, a 250th history outpost, a food and drink row and an arts area.
