International tall ships will return to Norfolk for OpSail 2012

NORFOLK

The city and the port of Hampton Roads are getting ready to welcome the world back to Virginia with Norfolk's selection as one of five cities to host OpSail 2012 - bringing tall ships here for the public to watch and tour, officials announced Tuesday.

Local officials touted the promise of OpSail 2012 to bring an influx of dollars and visitors as well as potential long-standing benefits.

OpSail 2000, which featured a 30-mile-long parade of ships, brought 5,000 sailors into the area along with 200 U.S. and foreign dignitaries, government and military leaders, according to Norfolk Festevents, the lead organizer.

During OpSail 2000, nonprofit groups raised thousands while businesses and area attractions reported a boost in sales and attendance. The public was able to visit Craney Island for the first time, and Hampton began its Blackbeard Pirate Festival, now an annual event.

It also brought worldwide media attention to the region, according to Festevents.

Nearly 120 nations have been invited to participate in OpSail 2012, which also will be hosted by New Orleans, Baltimore, New York and Boston, officials said Tuesday.

"This is like the Olympics coming to our locality," said Vice Mayor Anthony L. Burfoot. "This puts us on the world scene globally; people come out to OpSail."

The Operation Sail and U.S. Navy event, which will coincide in early June with Harborfest, will commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the birth of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Josè Fuentes, chairman of Operation Sail Inc.'s board of trustees, told a group that included city and military leaders gathered Tuesday at Norfolk's Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center that OpSail 2000 brought $500 million in economic activity over five days to New York City.

Even half that amount would benefit the region, Burfoot said.

"You look at the potential that not only Norfolk has but Hampton Roads has in terms of tourism, that's going to really give us a shot in the arm," he said.

He also cited the wave of people who will explore the region looking for job opportunities or a place to retire.

Planning will begin next month, and organizers also will work with the Virginia Bicentennial of the American War of 1812 Commission to incorporate education with the fun, officials said Tuesday.

OpSail will give the region a chance to commemorate its significance to the war while celebrating its maritime heritage, officials said.

"One only has to look across the river to Craney Island and up the river to Fort Norfolk to see sites where the battles of 1812 were fought," Burfoot said. "The history of 1812 is right at our doorstep."

Cindy Clayton, (757) 446-2377, cindy.clayton@pilotonline.com