WILLIAMSBURG — Jamestown Settlement’s Godspeed will be participating in the 47th Annual Norfolk Harborfest June 9-11.
Godspeed is a re-creation of one of the three vessels that brought America’s first permanent English colonists to Virginia in 1607.
The ship is slated to take part in a parade of sail that starts in Hampton Roads and arrives off Town Point Park at noon, Friday, June 9. The ship will be docked at Norfolk’s Town Point Park throughout the weekend and will be open for public tours 3 to 6 p.m. on June 9 and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11.
Godspeed is sailed by a crew of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation staff and volunteers, with its voyages supported by private donations.
Staff and volunteers worked over the winter and spring to get the Godspeed, as well the museum’s other replicas Susan Constant and Discovery, shipshape for the summer season. The Susan Constant, flagship of the three square-rigged fleet, showcases new paint and the Godspeed and Discovery, new sets of sails.
Commissioned in May 2006, the Godspeed sailed to six ports along the Eastern seaboard to launch an 18-month commemoration of America’s 400th Anniversary. Since 2007, the ship has undertaken several educational and outreach voyages each year to Virginia ports and is a frequent participant at Norfolk Harborfest.
While the Godspeed is away, visitors to Jamestown Settlement have the opportunity to climb aboard the Susan Constant and Discovery to learn about the 1607 voyage to Virginia. Jamestown Settlement’s ships have been designated the “official fleet of the Commonwealth” by the General Assembly.
For more information on Jamestown Settlement and admission rates, call 757-253-4838 or visit jyfmuseums.org. For details about Norfolk Harborfest, visit its official webpage.
