Have you seen Virginia out sailing with her rich tanbark sails and her striking black & white chevron pattern on the bulwarks? You might have caught the vessel on the Kennebec or out along the coast en route to a friendly Midcoast port. Perhaps you’ve exclaimed, “What a beautiful ship!” If so, please take a moment to join Maine’s First Ship in thanking the business partners that make it possible for Virginia to put on a show and share a piece of Maine history.

Maine’s First Ship has a few levels of business partner support which are investments in community enjoyment and education. Summer Port Sponsorships, valued at $2,500-$5,000, make it possible for MFS to compensate talented local captains, as well as cover operating costs such as insurance, fuel, and food. This season First Federal Savings supported Virginia’s trip to Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days where Virginia welcomed dozens of curious souls aboard for deck tours and garnered attention in the Parade of Sail. J.R. Maxwell & Co supported the ship’s journey to Colonial Pemaquid where costumed interpreters welcomed guests aboard the shallop Jane Stevens for a row back through time out to see Virginia for an unique and intimate visit on the water.

There are other investments and expenses that are more behind the scenes but that make sailing aboard Virginia a reality after nearly 26 years of research and construction. Compliance expenses such as First Aid & CPR training and crewe enrollment in a federal drug testing program, through Maritime Consortium, are also made possible by operational Investors such as Brackett’s Market, J. Edward Knight, and Bath Savings
Institution.

Visitors who secured a rare ticket on board one of Virginia’s public sails this summer have raved about their experience. “We learned so much history that we should have, but never did, learn in school!” explained a happy passenger after her July 18 sail aboard. Another passenger, Chuck Durfor, the senior archeologist at Jamestown Rediscovery, picked up copies of Dr. Jeffery Brain’s anthology about the history and archeology at the Fort St. George Historic Site from the MFS Visitor Center to bring back to the Jamestown library.

So much magic is made possible by our business partners: the adventures on the water, the joy of sighting Virginia along the coast, and the public’s discovery of the nearly forgotten history of the Popham Colony.

We are grateful to our Popham Circle partners, 1893 Society members, investors, contributors, supporters and friends. Businesses can learn more about the opportunities and benefits of Maine’s First Ship
partnership by visiting the Support Us page at the MFS website, mfship.org, or contacting Executive Director Kirstie Truluck.

Maine’s First Ship strives to use our reconstruction of the 1607 pinnace Virginia to immerse the public in an exploration of the region’s early history, craftsmanship, and relationships, and their impact on our community and environment today. Virginia’s home dock is located at 27 Commercial Street in Bath. Sails and Tours can be booked at the Plan Your Visit page of the website - mfship.org