Ship Mast Pixabay Public Domain
American Rover Cruise
Set sail with the American Rover as you and your group embark on a 1.5 or 2-hour educational cruise around the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. The American Rover is a 135 foot, three-masted topsail schooner that is oftentimes just referred to as a "tall sailing ship." This ship has a design inspired by 19th-century cargo schooners from the bay area and has tanbark sails, serving as an educational tool for maritime architecture. This ship has stood as a fair-weather icon in Hampton Roads since 1986 when it was moved from Norfolk.
On your group's educational cruise you will have the chance to set the sails, steer the ship, learn captain’s navigational skills, and hear plenty of mariner history. You will also hear maritime lore, learn to tie sailor knots, and take part in many other hands-on activities that immerse you and your group into a real-life history lesson. As you sail along the harbor keep your eye open for passing shipyards, cargo terminals, the Battleship Wisconsin, and working naval warships as well as private recreational or commercial yachts. All the adventure and history lovers, young and old alike, will love this stop on your Virginia Beach tour, and you’re going to love the relaxation and unbeatable sights this educational cruise offers!
