Schooner Alliance II offers the experience of setting sail, taking the helm and observing dolphins & osprey on the historic York River. Relive the golden age of sailing while cruising past the historic battlefield where our nation secured its independence.  Schooner Alliance II departs daily, April through November, from the Riverwalk Landing Pier in Yorktown, VA.  Sightseeing day cruises on the York River delve into the area's rich history. Sunset cruises offer a romantic evening setting to conclude a day exploring the Historic Triangle. Families with children can embark on Captain Mayhem's School of Piracy aboard the Pirate Adventure Cruise. Children participate in sailing activities, knot-tying and seamanship skills. Alliance II is a 75-foot, 2-masted, Marconi-rigged schooner. 

The Waterman’s Museum demonstrates the role Chesapeake Bay Watermen, from pre-colonial to modern times, played in the shaping of our nation. Historical exhibits depict military & civilian watercraft activities, crafts and methods of trade. Providing a look into the lives of the people that have worked and fought on the water. The Watermen’s Museum offers school and civic groups 11 different educational fieldtrips and conduct summer children’s programs in topics such as: archaeology, boatbuilding & environmental exploration.

Welcome to the 2025 Virtual Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race!

While normal sailboat racing happens on the water, this race is completely online. Each participating schooner has teamed up with a nonprofit partner, and is racing to raise as much money as possible for their charity. YOU can participate in the race by choosing a schooner, making a contribution, and sharing this webpage with your family and friends!  90% of gifts will go directly to the charity of your choice. The other 10% will help the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race achieve its mission to promote awareness of the Chesapeake Bay’s heritage; to encourage preservation of the Bay’s resources; to support Chesapeake Bay education and clean-up efforts; to bring historic schooners to the Bay; and to encourage schooner sailing and preservation. 

Please take a moment to learn more about our schooners and the organizations they support. At the start of the race, please come back here to make a donation and support your team!

Donation links will be available from 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 13 through 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 16. 

Thank you for supporting our schooner community!

Please note:  GCBSR will only share your contact information with the charity you donated to.