Waterfront Parade Ushers in Holiday Season This Weekend 

 Lighted Sailboat Parade anchored by Sail Nauticus Academy students 

Norfolk, Va. (December 8, 2022) — The Elizabeth River will look much brighter this Saturday evening as the Sail Nauticus Academy students take the helm for a lighted sailboat parade. The fleet of sailboats, owned and operated by the Nauticus Foundation, will be decked with lights as part of WinterFest on the Wisconsin, a holiday light experience aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. The parade occurs along the waterfront adjacent to the battleship and will be free and open to the public along the boardwalk. 

“We are excited to welcome back our Academy students and their families this Saturday,” said Sail Nauticus’ Manager, Sarah Linden-Brooks. “For the second time, we will be ending our fall sailing season with a campus wide celebration including cookies and cocoa, a lighted sailboat parade, and offering families the opportunity to explore WinterFest on the Wisconsin.” 

The Sail Nauticus Academy is a part of Sail Nauticus, a Norfolk-based, nonprofit sailing school and community sailing center. Through a partnership with Norfolk Public Schools, students in grades 6-8 are given the opportunity to participate in the Academy, promoting STEM activities, career development opportunities and life skills through the sport of sailing and maritime science. 

“Our Academy program is the heartbeat of Sail Nauticus and providing meaningful experiences for the whole family strengthens our community and connects and reengages students,“ Linden-Brooks said. 

This weekend’s parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, December 10th. After the parade, grab a cup of hot chocolate at Griswold’s Café and stick around for Winterfest on the Wisconsin. 

WinterFest’s general admission and member tickets are on sale. Book your night to discover your holiday spirit exploring this dazzling, waterfront light festival of over one million lights. 

Plan Your Visit 

WinterFest on the Wisconsin runs November 9, 2022, to January 1, 2023, and is open each Wednesday – Sunday, in addition to select Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the holiday season. General admission pricing is $18.50 for adults and $16.50 for children. Nauticus members receive a discounted rate. WinterFest ticket purchasers between December 1 – December 31 will automatically be entered in our Carnival Cruise Giveaway. Visit www.winterfestonthewisconsin.com 

About Sail Nauticus 

Support for Sail Nauticus directly benefits the Nauticus Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Funding provides a life-changing experience for underserved youth in our local community. Our mission is to inspire, instruct, and impact Hampton Roads kids through the use of sailing and maritime sciences.