The 126-foot two-masted schooner “Virginia” is tied up on the St. Johns River near the Hyatt Hotel this week. Owned and operated by the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation, the hand-built wooden ship helps preserve the Commonwealth’s sailing history and also serves as a school for aspiring sailors. Capt. Stefan Edick said he and his crew of 10 will shove off with a 16-member class Saturday and return Jan. 3 for six weeks of scheduled maintenance. After that, the Virginia will cast off with another class aboard for a February cruise to the Bahamas.
Photo by Max Marbut