As America heads toward the 250th anniversary of its independence, we review the events at and near Yorktown that insured our independence.
A young man from Prescott AZ (grew up in Baltimore) brought his wife to Williamsburg for an annual trip they’ve done for years. They wanted the History Cruise, so I dove deeply in the 1781 Battle of the Capes and the Siege of Yorktown that effectively ended the Revolutionary War.
They had some history of their own. Matt and Melinda White have been pursuing the genealogy of the White family going back to the Revolutionary Era. “I’ve done 10,000 to 12,000 hours of research over the years, and I’m stuck around 1800,” he said as he took the wheel.
“When we tour Colonial Williamsburg, we hear about Washington and Bland, and I know my family went back to them. The problem is that some of the ancestors were the only son of an only son who was the son of an only son, and the last is an alcoholic who fell off the timeline. There are daughters mixed in as well, but they married and changed their names.”
Matt handled stiff and gusty winds with aplomb, partly because he’s used to powerboats. He continued, “We’ve met with historians over the years here, yesterday with Colonial Williamsburg and today at William & Mary. They’re all very helpful. We’ve exhausted the resources of Mathews County, where my family originated. Next, we have an appointment in Gloucester County. I get back to 1800 and get stuck again. Over the years I have encountered other families, and by now I feel like I know them.”
We finished up Yorktown and headed back to Sarah Creek, where I showed them Little England and explained how Lord Cornwallis stayed there one night during the Siege. Matt said, “One of my relatives was Ken White, who fought for the French over on this side in Gloucester and killed a British soldier.” Next, they were off the new American Revolutionary War Museum in Yorktown for a new venture of Sailing into History.
1600s Galleon
Three couples from Maryland, Utah and Tennessee enjoyed a light afternoon wind on the York River as they took in a narrative of the Battle of the Capes and Siege of Yorktown.
History suddenly came to life when a giant replica galleon came into view at the entrance of the York River, way out on the horizon. The replica 17th century El Galeon Andalucia is the first tall ship of its kind to call on modern Yorktown. The ship motored up the river under bare poles. Since the winds were so light, the sails were furled up into the yardarms.
As the ship past us, Jim Christopher observed that its sole cannon on the port side was aimed straight at us. I had talked at length about how cannons were deployed in sea battles. A tugboat working on a project nearby was making his daily commute home across the river when he paused to let Andalucia pass. Surprisingly, the ship pulled into the docks of Riverwalk Landing without any tugboat assistance.
Factoids
- Andalucia epitomizes large 17th century ships used for trade.
- She weighs 500 tons and extends 164 feet long and 33 feet wide.
- It’s the biggest replica ship to visit restored Yorktown.
- Three masts furl seven sails comprising nearly 10,000 square feet.
- Under the Nao Victoria Foundation, the ship has covered 35,000 miles.
- She has visited ports in four of the five world continents.
Women enjoy sailing today more than ever, and particularly a romantic cruise. Couples get to enjoy a romantic getaway as they sit up on the bow for privacy, and Let’s Go Sail provides professional photos for free. First-time or skilled mariners are welcome to sail a modern-32-foot sailboat in a unique setting of wildlife and Fall foliage or Spring bloom. It makes for an extraordinary anniversary idea.
Let’s Go Sail
Check the “Book A Cruise” tab and pick a day for a sailboat charter. Scroll down reviews on Trip Advisor. Go back to the home page of Williamsburg Charter Sails.
The best Williamsburg boat tour offers safe sailing daily for up to 6 people. It’s an extraordinary experience for couples. Leave your worries behind. Enjoy the thrill of moving with the wind without a care in the world. Put life back on an even keel with a romantic experience for a birthday or anniversary. 3-hour sailboat cruise as a semi-private yachting charter lets you exhale and relax as you enjoy comfort, stability and speed.
Ideal for Couples
Our York River sailboat tour offers an unforgettable boat adventure that is ideal for couples. Choose from five unique sailing charters: Adventure, Lessons, History, Boat Buying, Real Estate. We provide sailing for everyone. Couples enjoy the romance, and families enjoy the adventure. See openings at williamsburgchartersails.com under Book A Cruise.
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