She dots the Norfolk, VA, waterfront like the perfect bowtie on a tux. She is fitting, formal, fascinating, and fun. She is the gorgeous American Rover, a 135-foot three-masted schooner, crowning the city view and offering seasonal sunset tours for locals and tourists.
American Rover offers two-hour daytime and sunset cruises offered, as well as private catered events.
Her green steel hull was built in Panama City, FL, in 1985. She was outfitted in the Willoughby area of Norfolk and commissioned for service in 1986. Designed by Merritt Walter, of Rover Marine Lines, Inc., she is one of a fleet of over a dozen similar vessels.
Known for her red “tanbark” sails, the ship can accommodate 120 passengers per voyage. She operates from April through October each year, leaving her dock at Waterside Marina and heading northwest up the Elizabeth River towards the Hampton Roads Harbor. There are two-hour daytime and sunset cruises offered, as well as private catered events. Covered areas on deck and two air-conditioned lounges and a ship’s store below provide shelter and refreshments. Guests can help with raising and lowering sails if they like or just sit back and enjoy the ride and the incredible views along the way.
Captain Brook Smith (also president of the American Rover company) greets guests upon departure and provides detailed audio tours with wonderful anecdotes about the Norfolk and Portsmouth waterfront history.
The crew is highly trained. While tacking and gybing, expert sailors Alden Chavez and Connor Reynolds simultaneously attend directly to the needs of the guests. “Gybe Ho!” they yell, while running to haul the sail quickly across the deck. Within an instant, they are right back to chatting and laughing with the guests. Meanwhile, down below in air-conditioned comfort, crew member Jeannie Binetti lovingly helms the gift and provisions shop. As with the crew, her smile is infectious.
Out-of-state guests board for local romance, for special occasions, and just for fun. Local fans Nathan Crawford, Jarred Tumer, and Jason Zalasky are regulars, celebrating birthdays throughout the year. Local sailboat owners Aimee and Ken Thompson grab two seats for date night. Abigail Sensenig and Andrew Shuman, visiting from Philadelphia, “love the adventure.”
As the sun sets and twilight comes, the Rover gently comes about. The sails sweep across the deck. Captain Smith guides her to the dock. Another beautiful journey!
Learn more at americanrover.com.
By Erik Speer
