Sails on the Potomac Event Volunteers

The City of Alexandria is a SailVA250 Affiliate Harbor and will be hosting four tall ships, including our own Providence, during a three-day festival on the waterfront. We expect thousands of visitors and need volunteers to help ensure the event runs smoothly and safely. 

This event takes place June 12, 13, and 14. Please note that, except for the ship volunteers, the Saturday shifts are longer. Volunteers can sign up for as many shifts as they would like across the three days. Exact shift times are detailed under the volunteer locations.

This is an outdoor event. Expect that it will be hot. We are building in breaks for all shifts and have cooling buses available. We are rain or shine but will pause the event for thunder/lightning.

All volunteers must attend pre-event training. These will be held via Zoom in the evenings. Recordings will also be available. Dates will be sent out after selecting your preferred shifts.

All volunteers who work two or more shifts receive a “fast pass.” This gives you one admission to each ship on a day of your choice.

Use these links to learn more about the event and see information about the individual ships.

We have six types of volunteering locations:

1. This requires being on your feet along the docks, where there’s not a lot of shade. It’s very team-oriented, requires great customer service (greeting visitors, assisting with ticket questions), and flexibility as we may need to adjust depending on crowds and weather. This does not require the ability to carry things.
2. This includes tasks like checking people in, managing the flow on and off the ship, and assisting with the line.
3. Shifts are either 11:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. OR 2:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

1. Shifts on Friday and Sunday are 11:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. OR 2:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Saturday shifts are longer: 11:15 am to 3:30 p.m. OR 3:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
2. This includes working with a partner to answer questions, provide directions, and assist with any issues. This does not require the ability to carry things.
3. This allows for sitting under a tent at an outdoor information booth. No lifting required.

1. This is under a tent but requires standing for most of the time. The last shift of the day requires more lifting as we need to pack everything and move indoors (using a cart) for overnight storage.
2. This includes initiating conversations with people walking by, sharing information about our museums and upcoming events, and assisting with the chocolate-making demonstration.
3. Shifts on Friday and Sunday are 11:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. OR 2:30 to 6:15 p.m.
4. Saturday shifts are longer: 11:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. OR 3:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

1. This requires some standing, though chairs will be available. Has a tented area. No lifting required.
2. This includes assisting as needed with the Virginia 250 Mobile Museum, including managing the flow of people, answering info-booth-style questions, and otherwise assisting the Museum’s team as requested.
3. Shifts are 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.,  2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. OR 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

1. This requires being on your feet with limited shade. The last shift each day includes your assistance in bringing in signage. Appreciate assistance throughout picking up trash as needed.
2. This includes providing breaks for our security staff, who are primarily tasked with watching checkpoints to get a headcount of guests and to ensure alcohol does not leave the event area. Will also assist with answering questions, providing directions, and conducting event surveys. May be asked to step in to cover a space if another volunteer calls out. Needs to be comfortable approaching people.
3. Shifts on Friday and Sunday are 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m., OR 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
4. Saturday is 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. 

1. This requires being outside and likely on your feet. Unlike the other positions, check-in volunteers need to dress up a bit (nice top and slacks or a dress/skirt).
2. Shifts are approximately 7:00 p.m to 8:45 p.m. (might be shortened).

Interested volunteers can apply online and will receive additional event information and a survey to select preferred shifts and locations once an application is received. Please note that volunteers must be 18 or older.