Ship to mark Jamestown fete

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — A new replica of one of the three ships that carried Jamestown's founders will set sail May 22 for a tour of six East Coast ports to begin commemorating the 400th anniversary of America's first permanent English settlement.

The Godspeed is to depart from its home berth at the Jamestown Settlement outdoor living history museum and head to Alexandria, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Boston and Newport, R.I. Each port will have a free "Landing Party Festival" featuring live music, family entertainment and historical and cultural displays about Jamestown.

"The Godspeed Sail presents Americans with the unique opportunity to reconnect with the foundations of our nation and our shared heritage," retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, honorary chairwoman of "America's 400th Anniversary," said in a statement announcing schedule details.

"As the launch event for America's 400th anniversary, the Godspeed Sail offers insight into the legacies of representative government, free enterprise and cultural diversity that first took root on our shores at Jamestown and continue to shape our lives today," O'Connor said.

During each port stop, costumed interpreters will give visitors a taste of shipboard life. Visitors also can take a "virtual" voyage using an onshore simulator and use their handprints to design panels for a huge American flag that will serve as a backdrop during the anniversary weekend.

The Godspeed Sail is one of 10 "signature" Jamestown anniversary events. The premier event "America's Anniversary Weekend," will take place a year after the sailings, on May 11-13, 2007, a national observance of Jamestown's founding in 1607.