Docked at Nauticus in Downtown Norfolk, Schooner Virginia serves the Nauticus mission in engaging the Hampton Roads community with a focus on delivering transformative maritime experiences and hands on learning to students of all backgrounds and ages, museum visitors and the general public. The Schooner Virginia's programming emphasizes STEM education, maritime history, tall ship training, workforce development and the conservation of our local waterways.

Schooner Virginia is raising funds for the Nauticus Foundation, the nonprofit organization established to promote the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. The Nauticus Foundation's mission is to benefit its community through education, impactful experiences and by sharing access to maritime resources.

Schooner Virginia is a loyal participant in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. The race is something supporters and volunteers look forward to each year. Virginia's participation in the virtual race not only helps raise critical revenue to support the foundation, but also to promote passion for tall ships and continued education for the public.

Welcome to the 2023 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 23 through 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 26. 

Thank you for supporting our schooner community!

Please note: The Chesapeake Bay schooner community could not exist without people like you, and we're eager to keep in touch. GCBSR will share your contact information and notification preferences with the charity you donated to.  If you do not wish to be contacted by GCBSR, please opt out of communcations on the donation form.