Sail250 Virginia Safety Boats

04/23/2026

Good afternoon everyone. This is Joe and I’m getting ready to finalize my list of boats to send to Festevents for this year’s event. Whether you’ve already responded to me or not, please let me know if you’re interested in joining us for this HUGE event. Email me at [email protected] with your name, phone number, boat make, model, length, and name, and the days you can be there. No previous experience is necessary, but I would appreciate if some of my veterans could return.

04/20/2026

Safety Boat family, I was just informed that the court date for David Shourds is moving to the right. I will let you know when it will happen. Keep David in your prayers. HOPEFULLY he’ll get a bond hearing and will be able to get out until the trial.

03/30/2026

Good afternoon captains and friends. This is Joe, and I just got home from a meeting with Karen Scherberger regarding her needs for the upcoming HUGE event. By the way, she has said that we will be known as the Safety Boats again!

First off, the date this year for the event which will include Harborfest begins on Thursday, 18 June (not everyone will be needed), and the Parade of Sail (including a Blue Angels flyover) on Friday, 19 June. It will continue through Tuesday, 23 June, but most of the activities wrap up on Monday the 22nd.

Some changes from a traditional Harborfest includes two nights of fireworks, Friday night with one barge, and Saturday with two barges. Other than the Parade on Friday and the two nights of fireworks, there will be NO water events.

Venues for events ashore will run from Waterside through Midtown Point near Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

I am looking for captains and mates who can come and participate. If you’re interested in returning to help out, please message me (Joe Ferrara) or email me at [email protected]. I’m looking for a BUNCH of boats, and if you’re a veteran of Harborfests past, or want to start with us this year, let’s talk.

03/11/2026

Safety Boat family, this is Joe. I just found out that our fellow captain David Shourds has been incarcerated for over a year (not long after Kim’s funeral). Here’s the post from David’s sister. As I learn more about, I’ll provide updates.

“This is David’s sister, Deb. As some of you may know my brother is in jail. He’s not guilty of any crime. I’m asking for anyone who has been contacted by a relative of Kim’s concerning this case to please contact me. Also I need anyone that knows David well and knows his gentle character to please contact me. 941-441-5107 or you can message me. Viscous lies have been told about David. I think anyone that knows David should know these lies are untrue. I appreciate any information you can provide.”

01/07/2026

To my Safety Boat captains and any other interested parties who knew Jeffrey.

12/23/2025

12/23/2025

Captains and Safety Boat friends and family, I’m sorry to share the News of Jeffrey Morrison’s passing. Say a prayer please. I have reached out to Karen and offered our support for whatever memorial service she may want to do during Harborfest. My request is if you are available to participate, whether or not if you’re working the event, please do so and proudly fly your yellow flags. I don’t know how big an official presence we’ll have, but I’d love to see a fleet of us there for Karen and Jeffrey and his family. I’ll keep you posted…

01/09/2025

Captains and friends of the Safety Boats, I’m sad to be sharing this from one of our own. David Shourds’ (a veteran Safety Boat Captain) wife Kim succumbed to cancer the other day. When I get more information I’ll pass it along. I don’t know my schedule at West for the 1st, but if I’m able to, I’ll be attending.

“Kim fought the most courageous battle against this horrendous disease and never once complained about her situation. She faced this battle head on with determination and an unwavering faith in God. She was my best friend, my rock and the love of my life.

We are planning her celebration of life for February 1, 2025 at Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Virginia. The time is to be determined.

Thank you to each and everyone single person who has supported us throughout this journey. Your love, support and generosity have shown the love that still exists in our community.

From the bottom of my heart, I will forever be grateful for you all.”

06/01/2024

Topped up the DogHouse in preparation for Harborfest this afternoon. Only 120 gallons this time! Nice ride out to 3 miles to dump the holding tank too.