The Captain Lane Briggs Memorial, Youth Sail Training Scholarship Fund will honor the amazing and passionate life of Lane Allen Briggs.

Captain Briggs was an innovator and visionary, with respect to the economic development of the Hampton Roads waterfront, but it is for his love and sensitivity of drifting youngsters that we honor him here.

Young people were drawn to his passion, his commitment to seamanship, his leadership and to his big heart. He was soft-hearted and generous as he reached out to youth in trouble and he trained many young men and women for maritime careers. In Captain Briggs youngsters found a father figure who was disguised as the curmudgeonly pirate of Willoughby Spit.

The Youth Sail Training Programs offered by the Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation are offered to the general population of students between the ages of 13- 17. However, 50% of the bunks are reserved for scholarship students who compete for and earn their passage aboard schooner Virginia. The students that receive scholarships come from all parts of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Some, from high schools, some from Boys and Girls Clubs, some from Achievable Dream, and this year, many from Jr. ROTC programs.

A scholarship for one student is $2,000. This year, full and partial scholarships will be awarded to 54 students; the total needed is $70,000. Please be generaous and remember that this experience can tranform a students life.

For more on Captain Lane Briggs, click here.