Looking to score some merchandise representing Norfolk while commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding in 1776?
Norfolk will host more than 60 tall ships and military vessels from at least 20 countries June 19-23 to celebrate the United States’ semiquincentennial as part of the Sail250 festival. Affiliate harbors in Alexandria, Cape Charles, Chesapeake, Hampton, Onancock, Portsmouth, Richmond, Smithfield, Virginia Beach and Yorktown also plan to participate June 12-23.
Commemorators of the American Revolution can start shopping for gifts, apparel and other collectibles that showcase the festival’s nautical themes. Official Sail250 Virginia and Sail Virginia 2026 items, such as clothing, hats, coasters, tumblers and tote bags, are now available for purchase online at sail250vashop.com.
Sail250 Virginia CEO and President Karen Scherberger said she chose Impressions in Print in Norfolk as the merchandising partner and collaborated with the business to select the items. Sail250 Virginia is planned and directed by Sail Norfolk, the maritime division of Norfolk Festevents.
“We wanted to keep as much of the work and economic activity local, with the ability to access globally recognized brands for quality,” Scherberger said by email.
Every item was selected with specific tastes in mind, she said, and based on quality and aesthetics fitting for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Products feature brands such as Nautica, Champion, Helly Hansen and others.
Debbie Higgins, owner of Impressions in Print, said the products are more advanced than those from previous years, such as for OpSail 2000, when a similar fleet stopped in Hampton Roads.
“We were purposeful about raising the bar for Sail250 Virginia,” Higgins said. “Karen Scherberger approached the merchandise as a brand experience, not simply event souvenirs. She brought deep knowledge of the sailing community, international maritime events and a clear understanding of what resonates with both serious boaters and the general public.”
Official Sail250 Virginia and Sail Virginia 2026 items, such as clothing, hat and mugs, are now available for purchase online at sail250vashop.com. (Sail250 Virginia)
Some of the more interesting items are rain jackets, puffer vests, fleece jackets and the pet line, Scherberger said.
Items are currently available online only, with select pieces offered at partner venues, pop-up retail experiences, on-site during the event at Town Point Park and at the Impressions in Print showroom. Limited-edition collectible merchandise will be released throughout 2026.
To learn more about Virginia’s participation in Sail250, visit sail250virginia.com. The maritime festival is also organizing activities in New Orleans, Baltimore, New York and Boston.
Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net
