SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE

Lend a hand with the sails, take a turn at the helm or just sit back, relax and enjoy the experience . . . Let's go sailing aboard the Schooner "Spirit of Independence!"

The Spirit Of Independence is a schooner that is similar in design to the coasting schooners that plied the waters off East, Gulf, and West coasts of America during the 19th and the first part of the 20th century. During this time the schooners were employed in the fishing fleets, freight-hauling fleets, and as passenger carriers. During America's wars the schooner did its part as well.

These vessels were last seen in regular service as late as the early 1940s. The schooner evolved in America to sail well with the head winds it often encountered as it sailed up and down the coast, and in and out of the small sea port towns, delivering passengers and freight. It had very strong sailing characteristics off the wind as well. The service the schooners entered demanded speed. But equally important it could be manned by a small crew, as manpower was becoming more expensive.

The schooner rig has been on some of the fastest sailing vessels the world has seen. It was considered to be the rig of choice in America for the yachts of the rich and famous during the early part of the 20th century. Because the schooner has such fine sailing characteristics, and because it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sailing rigs, the working schooners as a type are seeing a rebirth. They are coming back as yachts and passenger carrying charter boats. These vessels are giving people an opportunity to experience some of the tradition of this country's sailing past.

The Spirit Of Independence replicates the grand traditions of its forbears. But the use of modern materials and equipment makes the Spirit much stronger, safer, and easier to operate and maintain than its predecessors. The Spirit is not in any way intended to be a replica of a vessel from the past. It has the grace and beauty of a two masted gaff headed schooner, with bowsprit, clipper bow, and trailer boards. Yes... the Spirit is all that one would expect in a schooner. But as they say "beauty is only skin deep." Below one finds all the modern devices the make today's cruising so interesting and pleasant.

The Spirit Of Independence was designed by Naval Architect the late Charles Wittholz, with modifications by J. C. Waters. The vessel was built under the rules as a U. S. inspected vessel. The U. S. Coast Guard inspected construction of the Spirit. And it will qualify to enter the passenger carrying service as a sub-Chapter T vessel carrying 49-day passengers, or 12 passengers for extended cruises.

LOA 76'-0", LOD 61'-6", LOW 53"-0",BEAM 17'-0" DIS. 81,000lbs, BALLAST 20,000lbs, SAIL AREA 1,744sq ft FUEL CAP. 770gal, WATER CAP. 600gal, BUNKS 16

For more information about The Spirit of Independence or sailing opportunities, visit their website at www.spiritofindependence.net




SPRING CHARTERS AND RATES FOR THE SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE STARTING MAY 22, 2010


Saturdays at 11:30 AM., 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sundays at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WEEKEND SCHEDULED SAILS

Departure at 11:30 AM (1 ˝ hour cruises)
Adults $14.00
Children: $8.00

Departure at 3:00 PM (2 hour cruises)
Adults $16.00
Children $10.00

Departure at 7:00 PM (2 hour cruises)
Adults $22.00
Children $12.00

Group rate discounts of 15 people or more only with advanced reservation, reduce the above rates by $1.00 per person.Group rate discounts are only available for our regularly scheduled charters.

We can also create a weekday charter with a minimum of 15 people. These are considered a regular charter and will be open to others that may want to participate. The rates for these charters are the same as our regular charter as listed above. Call Captain J.C. Waters at 757.971.1865 for additional details, availability and booking.

Catering available for groups on public charters. Ask when you make reservations.






PRIVATE CHARTERS

Private charters are designed for those wanting the use of the Spirit for their own personal charter and is perfect for club and business outings, group tours, wedding parties and other private functions and special events. We can accommodate up to 49 passengers, which must include catering and entertainment personnel. The charter season is from April through November. Call Captain J.C. Waters at 757.971.1865 for additional details, availability and booking.

We offer a variety of charter options, which include the following.

THE SPIRIT MISSION

To offer you the most exciting, memorable stay aboard a traditional schooner with all of the amenities of modern safety blended with exquisitely designed features both above and below deck for your comfort and enjoyment. Captain J.C. Waters and the Spirit of Independence crew is dedicated to making your stay aboard a stand out experience.

Our sailboat charter company is prepared to serve up a unique vacation option.

Sunday-Friday Daytime:
$300.00 per hour (2 hour minimum)

Saturday Daytime
$450.00 per hour (2 hour minimum)

Sunday through Friday Evening
$450.00 per hour (2 hour minimum)

Saturday Evening
$500.00 per hour (3 hour minimum)

*Children rates are 12 and under.

BOARDING PASSES CAN BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE OR ON THE DAY OF THE SAIL AT THESE OLDE TOWNE LOCATIONS:

SKIPJACK NAUTICAL WARES & MARINE GALLERY
One High Street. 757.399.5012
Email: askus@skipjacknauticalwares.com

Skipjack is located at One High Street on the riverside of the historic Seaboard Building. Our doors face the Elizabeth River and next to the High Street Landing where you board the Spirit of Independence. We are also just a few steps away from the Historic Hog Island lighthouse fresnel lens.

CASH, VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER cards are available for ticket purchases! Sorry, we do not accept AMERICAN EXPRESS.

Store hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM.
Sunday and Monday by chance or appointment.

STARBOARDS COFFEE KIOSK
101 High Street. 757.478.0056
Email: info@visitstarboards.com
Website: www.visitstarboards.com

Starboards Coffee Kiosk is located across the street from the High Street Landing where you board the Spirit of Independence. Starboards offers a great selection of coffee drinks as well as non-coffee drinks, smoothies, and a nice variety of fresh bakery products to choose from. One of Olde Towne's favorites! We recommend their ice coffee made with Coffee Ice Cubes and the "Benedict Arnold," perfect for a hot day on the water! Boarding Pass sold at Starboards are cash only at this time so plan accordingly.


Current Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 3 PM
Saturday 8 AM to 12 noon
Closed Sundays

PORTSMOUTH VISITORS CENTER
6 Crawford Parkway 757.393.5111
www.visitportsva.com

The Portsmouth Visitors Center is located on the North Landing and is just a few blocks north of the High Street Landing. The Portsmouth Visitors Center is open daily from 9 AM til 5 PM. They offer all major credit cards or cash purchases for boarding passes.





SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE

At the High Street Landing just prior to Cruise Departures. 757.971.1865
Email: j.c.waters@earthlink.net
Website: www.spiritofindependence.net
You can purchase boarding passes at the Spirit of Independence directly at the schooner for the current charter as well as future charters (subject to availability) Sorry, cash only is available on site.



BUNK & BREAKFAST


The Spirit of Independence also offers a Bunk and Breakfast program for those seeking a unique experience beyond typical overnight accomodations. The Bunk and Breakfast includes a free day and evening cruises for as long as you’re a guest aboard. Bring that favorite book! This is how it works. You will be met on the dock at the arranged boarding time by a Spirit crew member. Your luggage will be carried aboard and placed in your stateroom. Take some time to arrange your things. Soon after you arrive you will be given a short orientation so that you can get to know the boat.

You of course are given the key to your cabin. Spirit will make her scheduled cruises, which you may participate in as our VIP guest at no charge, or you may take as much shore time as you wish to visit the local sites. There is ferry service within steps that will take you across the river to Norfolk. If you need ground transportation and if you would like us to, we can make any arrangements, including limo service that suits your wishes.

Note: Special event weekends like Harborfest book fast so make your plans early.

To book reservations for our Bunk & Breakfast package be sure to call us at 757-971-1865.

RATES & POLICIES

Spirit Of Independence is a no smoking venue.
No children under 12.
No pets.

The Cost of the package is $285.00 per night including tax for each of the 4 staterooms (no more than 2 people per stateroom).

At the time of your booking your credit card will be charged for your stay. If you need to cancel, we will try to re-book your stateroom to another party. If we can re-book your reservation we will refund your credit card account the amount of your booking minus a $25.00 cancellation fee. If we cannot re-book your stateroom, then no refunds given.

What to bring and footware: As you will be surrounded by beautiful woodwork and teak and holly floors, we ask that you wear soft soled shoes and luggage that has soft corners.

Check in time is 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM or 5:30 to 6:15 PM.
Check out time is by 10:30 AM.

The schooner will be staffed with a Captain and a crew member during your stay.

WHERE WE ARE

From Virginia Beach:
Take I-264 West into the Downtown Tunnel to Portsmouth. The first exit after the tunnel (Exit 7) brings you to Olde Towne. Follow Crawford Street to High Street and turn Right. Go one block to the High Street Landing.

From Williamsburg/Richmond:
From I-64 eastbound, take the I-664 South exit and cross the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel. Take Exit 15 onto I-264 East. Take Exit 7B for Downtown Portsmouth and follow Crawford Street to High Street and turn Right. Go one block to the High Street Landing.

From Norfolk:
You can take either the Downtown or Midtown tunnel into Portsmouth.

Downtown Tunnel:
The first exit after the Downtown Tunnel (Crawford Street) brings you into Olde Towne. Follow Crawford Street to High Street and turn Right. Go one block to the High Street Landing.

Midtown Tunnel:
The first stoplight after the tunnel is High Street. Turn left and follow to the riverfront which is the High Street Landing.
Or take the Elizabeth River passenger ferry from The Waterside directly to the High Street Landing (the first stop).

THE HIGH STREET LANDING AND GETTING AROUND DOWNTOWN/OLDE TOWNE PORTSMOUTH

Portsmouth’s Waterfront Gateway

Portsmouth, Virginia is a small seaport that has managed to hold onto its 18th-and 19th-century charm for over 250 years. At the heart of the waterfront revitalization is Historic Olde Towne with the largest collection of period homes between Alexandria, VA and Charleston, S.C. The area, located north of High Street, has been listed as the Olde Towne Historic District and is primarily residential.


Nineteenth century Portsmouth relied heavily on shipbuilding. In 1894, the Seaboard Airline came to town. The passenger rail terminal was located at High Street Landing. For the next sixty-years, the railroad dominated Portsmouth, giving the city its motto, “where the rail meets the sea".



Today, High Street Landing has become a symbol of the rich maritime history of Portsmouth. It features a scenic waterfront and has become Portsmouth’s Waterfront Gateway. On July 19, 2007, High Street Landing celebrated its’ 10th anniversary.

You’ll find the Elizabeth River Ferry’s dock adjacent to the Seaboard Building. The original Seaboard Building is known today as Number One High Street. It houses the Riverview Gallery, featuring the work of local and national artists. It is also home to La Tolteca, an authentic Mexican restaurant.

From High Street Landing, you can stroll up High Street to discover a plethora of antique and boutique shops, museums and art galleries. You’ll find a number of restaurants from upscale dining to pubs and outdoor cafes. Two of the “Top 10 Restaurants in Hampton Roads” are located in Olde Towne.

Ferry Service to High Street Landing

The Elizabeth River Ferry travels to High Street Landing in Portsmouth from downtown Norfolk at The Waterside Marketplace – a ten minute ride. This system includes three 150-passenger paddle-wheel ferryboats, one of which is the world’s largest natural gas-powered pedestrian ferry. It’s fast, economical and offers a panorama harbor view. The ferry operates every 30-minutez, with 15-minute service at peak times and on weekends. The ferry is wheelchair accessible and allows boarding passengers to walk on with their bicycles. Ferry fares are $1.50 for adults and youth. .75 for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Exact change is required, so plan accordingly. Most of the High Street Landing businesses cannot provide you with change for the ferry. For more information, contact HRT (Hampton Roads Transit) at 757.222.6100 or www.gohrt.com.

Water Taxi Service Available

Locals and visitors can bypass heavy traffic and enjoy the Elizabeth River while heading toward a Portsmouth-Norfolk destination on a new water taxi service operated by Squires Marine Services.

Stops on the river include any destination in the Olde Towne area of Portsmouth or the downtown area of Norfolk, including service to moored vessels in the Crawford Bay anchorage. See some of the more popular stop’s including Olde Towne’s High Street Landing and North Landing, along with Norfolk’s Waterside Marketplace and Harbor Park. Taxi Service is provided to any destination in the defined zone or a 20-minte guided tour. To call for a ride or to arrange a charter, call 757.439.TAXI (8294).

Ride "The Downtown Loop" - Shuttle Service

Visitors can now ride “The Downtown Loop” through Olde Towne. This new shuttle service is a convenient way for visitors to travel from the waterfront farther up High Street, into new eateries and stores downtown, while easing parking problems and reducing congestion. Two shuttle buses run by Hampton Roads Transit will circle downtown Portsmouth, traveling from hotels to marinas to a commuter parking lot and the Naval Medical Center. Service is timed to the arrival of the Elizabeth River Ferry at High Street Landing.

From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the shuttles operate every 15 minutes. From 7 to 10 a.m. and from 8 p.m. to midnight each day, service will run in 30-minute intervals, timed to the arrival of the downtown ferry at High Street Landing.

“The Downtown Loop” has been nearly five years in the making. A $2.4 million federal grant will pay for a pair of low-emission hybrid buses (among the first of its kind in Virginia) , operating costs and employee salaries for three years.

Youcan currently ride the Loop for FREE. Located at High Street Landing across from the Elizabeth River Ferry.

For information about Downtown/olde Towne Portsmouth, visit: http://www.visitportsva.com