Date: 10: 11 am, Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Your Name: Amy Hagberg E-mail Address: amy.hagberg@maine.edu Your Story: I met Lane on a dock in Baltimore in the Fall of 1988. When I saw his unique Norfolk Rebel sail into the harbor I knew I just had to go and check it out. When the smiling Captain Lane greeted me and invited me to come aboard for a \"cup of tea\", little did I know that this man was as unique as his vessel, and my life would never be the same. A month after I met Lane I went to work for him. Over the years I continued to work for Lane on and off, doing towing and salvage and sail passes, sailing up and down the east coast, into Canada, and on into the Great Lakes. My husband Paul and I have been aboard the Norfolk Rebel for every Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race except for the first one. And on every trip aboard the Norfolk Rebel I have met wonderful people along the way. My husband Paul often told Lane that we have met all of our best friends through him, and indeed we\'ve met our second family. Lane was and continues to be my gift. I can still see him smiling proudly at me when I get all stubborn and ornery about something (a quality not often admired in women), and I know anything is possible. And whenever I step aboard the Norfolk Rebel I know I am home. Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 6: 12 pm, Thursday, January 29, 2009 Your Name: E-mail Address: Your Story: Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 6: 46 pm, Friday, January 30, 2009 Your Name: Denise Irwin E-mail Address: denisirwin@aol.com Your Story: A number of years ago preparing for the Parade of Sail for the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, Lane methodically went through the list of participating schooners, calling out the parade order. There was a fair amount of wind that day and the fleet did it\'s best to line up in order. As I looked up, the schooner Ocean Star was sailing rail down, with her sails let all the way out. Leopard, then under skipper Ruel Parker, also rail down, was sweeping past the schooner in front of Her.
As I told Lane to let them go, an organized parade was not a good idea for the amount of wind that year, he was screaming into the radio for Leopard to \"stop healing\" and \"get in line\"....Leopard\'s Captain replied his sails were let out as far as he could, the vessel was in full reverse....
Lane muttered, \"oh hell\" and jumped onboard Rebel to join in with the first \"free sail\" for the Parade. It was a sight to see, Baltimore Harbor, crowded with nearly 40 sailing schooners, racing from Canton to the Inner Harbor. Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 5: 52 pm, Sunday, February 1, 2009 Your Name: E-mail Address: Your Story: Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 6: 02 pm, Sunday, February 1, 2009 Your Name: Jay Irwin E-mail Address: jay-jenny@comcast.net Your Story: I spent the summer of 2000 on the Rebel during the tall ship event. I was fortunate enough to sail with Captain Lane and his friends. Many a good time was had in the salon listening to stories and events in the warmth of Rebel\'s salon. Many a greenhorn crewed her decks but under the professionalism and criticism of Captain Lane, they signed off the vessel as well-trained and experienced seamen. Her name and color scheme would give one the impression of a rebel at another time and another cause, but when viewed on the horizon or at the dock when she threw down her lines one immediately realized she was a happy ship bringing fellowship and good times. At the Bottoms Up I will be back with old shipmates with drink in hand and laughter. We will carry on the Tea Party. - J Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 11: 17 am, Tuesday, February 17, 2009 Your Name: Carol Corbin and Allister MacDonald E-mail Address: carolcorbin@yahoo.com Your Story: We are Lane\'s Nova Scotia connections. He sailed into Louisbourg Harbour at least 3 times and came by land schooner several other times. We loved him dearly and miss him terribly. We do want to see the Norfolk Rebel in our waters again.
Carol and Allister Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 9: 09 pm, Wednesday, April 1, 2009 Your Name: Jesse A. Briggs E-mail Address: jbriggs@bayshorediscovery.org Your Story: Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 8: 10 pm, Thursday, April 2, 2009 Your Name: Scott Thomas E-mail Address: scott.thomas@mac.com Your Story: When I first met Lane he had been hunting me down. No, not me really. He\'d been hunting the schooner I had charge of. He found us in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia and he was recruiting schooners for his Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. He had his arm in a sling and a neck brace on I think. That was in 1999. It seems to me, more often than not, when I saw him again he was porting some sort of medical/mechanical aid. I saw him often between that first encounter and 2003 when I left the HIGHLANDER SEA in Port Huron, MI. We showed up for his 1999 CBSR and gave a good show. Got beat by a couple smaller swifter craft, but we put the Pride of Baltimore to bed, which started a healthy rivalry (at least in my mind). I enjoyed Tea with Lane on several occasions and declined the opportunity too many times. He was a familiar and enthusiastic character that I was more than happy to cling to at ASTA conferences and Tall Ship Festival events. I\'m not the outgoing type, but that wasn\'t a prerequisit with Lane. We were friends almost immediately. He is one of the more influential people in my life. I miss him, and I am so happy he\'s riding on a little cyber-breeze. Fair winds Lane. Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? no Date: 6: 38 pm, Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Your Name: E-mail Address: Your Story: Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 7: 34 pm, Monday, April 20, 2009 Your Name: Don Vansant E-mail Address: Your Story: While in the Navy, I served aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) out of Norfolk, Virginia from 1975-1979. During this time I met Captain George Salley who was leading a group of young Sea Explorers based out of his hometown of Gloucester Point, Virginia. He offered me an opportunity to help out while learning how to sail aboard his boat, Galleons Lap. Though I never became much of a sailor, it was a wonderful experience that I will always cherish.
George and Lane were good friends which was how I happened to meet Lane during the American Sail Training Races from Baltimore to Norfolk in 1978. The Galleons Lap came in about last and we were towed into Norfolk by Capt. Lane and the Steel Rebel just so we could make the opening ceremonies on time. I took many photos during this time and have recently posted some of them on Flickr in a set called \"Sail Away\". There are several of Captain Lane, Rebel, Steel Rebel and some others I don\'t recall. I hope they bring back some pleasent memories for you and your family.
I wonder what has become of George Salley. I Googled him and found a Tarboro, North Carolina address and email address. I sent him an email but it bounced back and apparently is no longer active. Please pass this link on to him or his family if you are still in touch.
Sincerely,
Don Vansant
www.flickr.com/photos/donvansant/sets/72157617057033714/
Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? no Date: 8: 50 am, Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Your Name: John Parlapiano E-mail Address: fiohr@yahoo.com Your Story:
My first meeting with the Commodore (Lane Briggs) was as volunteer crew aboard the Schooner A J Meerwald. We were in Wilmington, Del. as part of the launching of the \"Kalmar Nyckel,\" Delaware\'s tall ship. As maintenance is an ongoing, unceasing effort aboard ship, our Capt. Mitch Brodkin was invited aboard the \'Rebel\" to \"dumpster-dive\" in the engine room for some needed parts.
Having seen the tugantine at the schooner race and heard the \"legends\" of Capt. Lane Briggs, need I say we were awestruck at being actually aboard the \"Rebel.\" Capt. Lane had disappeared and I was left standing alone in the salon. Now what?
Well, I hadn\'t really been deserted as the repair party reappeared, and Capt. Lane suddenly materialized from behind the bar. As I later discovered, Capt. Lane was a codial host for \"tea parties\" aboard ship, and this moment offered another occasion.
The Capt. deposited some nondescript \"pewter\" cups on the bar with the cheerful statement,\"I don\'t know what you\'re drinkin\' but this is what you\'re drinkin\' from.\" Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? no Date: 6: 14 am, Sunday, May 10, 2009 Your Name: Ralph Woodfin E-mail Address: seahunt1955@comcast.net Your Story: Stopped in to Say Hello to the Briggs Clan... Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 6: 34 am, Sunday, May 10, 2009 Your Name: Captain Ralph Woodfin E-mail Address: seahunt1955@comcast.net Your Story: I knew Captain Lane and his sons when I lived in Willouhby Spit back in the 70s and 80s. Crab potted and Clammed my patent tonger, the Bobbie Jo, off of Ocean View and always managed to say hello to the Boys (via VHF) when I saw them sail by. Spent many a night at the \'Willoughby Inn\', drinking and swapping sea stories with Captain Lane. I can honestly say \"Those were the good old days!\"
I bought the \"Chessie Lee\', an old dredge rigged buy boat from Lanes son Terry, dredged her one season and ended up in the Keys, fish-trapping her until the state closed down that fishery, then got a gig delivering cargo down to the Turks and Caicos. I remember when initially, talking about heading south solo, most everyone advised against such a cruise on a boat that old. Except Captain Lane. He was always supportive with his wisdom and advice.
Made four more Bahamas trips on that seaworthy old boat along with my best friend \'Burt\', the finest German Shepard that ever lived.
Hope to get up to Norfolk and vist with the Briggs Clan and maybe tip a few.
Good Luck and smooth sailing to you all...........and Captain Lane, you will never be forgotten.
Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 7: 47 pm, Saturday, May 23, 2009 Your Name: Kathy E-mail Address: kathill777@gmail.com Your Story: I arrived in Norfolk in the spring of 1979 and accidentally accepted a job on the Steel Rebel as assistant deckhand (Lane let me accompany my boyfriend Chris, just to be nice). At the end of the trip he paid us both the same and I continued to work for him full time until late 1988, partly on the boats, mostly as his office manager. It was a fine collaboration, and I was allowed to take a role in making many of his more brilliant ideas come to fruition, typing letters for him, writing proposals and sending out newsletters. Even after I finally left for nursing school (he had by then retired), he would arrive at my house with letters to type, ideas to discuss, a bottle to encourage lively conversation. I still consider him my nautical mentor, cementing my lifelong romance with the sea into a devoted marriage rather than just a youthful fling. I am proud to have been his friend and still think of him often. Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 10: 44 pm, Saturday, May 23, 2009 Your Name: E-mail Address: Your Story: Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 8: 56 am, Saturday, June 6, 2009 Your Name: Caroline Smith E-mail Address: carolinesmith_99@yahoo.com Your Story: I met Lane in the late 80\'s, as a Sea Scout on the Skipjack Norfolk. For years, he was a role model and mentor. Then, in 1994, I signed aboard the ALEXANDRIA. Upon seeing me in Baltimore before my first Schooner Race, he chuckled and said \"Buddy, I\'m proud of you, and I\'m sorry\". He knew better than I what it meant to be crew of one of these things.
It was Lane I called when I got my captain\'s license, when I got the new jobs and positions, with the best sea stories. He and his family became dearer to me each year. I visited them and the Rebel every chance I got. \"Honey, there\'s always room for you in the fore peak\".
In September of 2005, I was offered a full time Captain\'s spot with Ocean Classroom. I couldn\'t wait to tell him that weekend, on a short visit home. I saw him in the hospital, surrounded by his family. He grinned, demanded a hug, and asked what was new. When I told him, he chuckled and said \"Buddy, I\'m proud of you, and I\'m sorry\". He cast off the next day.
It meant the world to me that he\'d seen me make command. It meant even more to be Rebel crew for the schooner race a
few weeks later. And to be Rebel crew now. Few of the crews I command got to know him. I\'m proud to do what I can to carry on his legacy and his legend. Lane, I love you- and thank you. Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 12: 32 pm, Tuesday, June 30, 2009 Your Name: Joe E-mail Address: jkelly008@comcast.net Your Story: Amy,
It was such a pleasure to meet you and Paul this weekend at the Breezeway Blowout. I hope you had as much fun as we from Nashville did. Please know that you have new friends here in Music City Tennessee and we are very welcoming and hospitable to out of town guests (although we are land locked). Have been on the Norfolk Rebel and felt the magic, just not under sail.
Regards,
Joe Kelly
Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 9: 44 am, Friday, September 11, 2009 Your Name: Greg Mulvany E-mail Address: gmmlaf@att.net Your Story: Such fond memories……. I spent a great deal of time at Rebel Marine marina back in the late \'70\'s but unfortunately I only worked on the Norfolk Rebel during construction. Lane Briggs was the epitome of an \"Old Salt\" and one heck of a teacher. When I got out of the Navy I spent quite a bit of time working on the Steele Rebel with Lane and Jesse. Steve was in school and I think David and Terry were offshore fishing most of the time. The Briggs welcomed strangers like me into their home / boat, heck they seemed to welcome everyone in Willoughby Spit area. I\'ll never forget the crab boil regattas - you had to leave the dock and \"sail your boat\" to be able to eat some of the best boiled crab north on New Orleans. The codfish breakfasts couldn\'t be beaten anywhere in the world.
I\'ll never forget towing a barge of riprap out to the bay bridge under sail and meeting my old submarine on their way into port - the \"old man\" couldn\'t believe it...
I stumbled across a photograph of the Steel Rebel on Flikr taken by Don Vansant. Not sure how much of that race I remember.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/donvansant/3457193826/in/photostream/
Glad to hear that the family
Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? no Date: 10: 08 am, Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Your Name: Nikki Trenholm E-mail Address: ntrenholm86@gmail.com Your Story: Hey its Nikki x-meerwaldian and Rebel Marina Willogby Race frequenter. Need two hard working sailors to help during schooner race! Id love to sail on the Norfolk Rebel! I hope so if not maybe you can refer me to another boat lookinng for crew. I loved it last year on the Meerwald and look forward to seeing eachother. If Im not sailing than in Portsmouth at the end of the race. I lost my phone losing Stevie\'s #. Give me an email ntrenholm86@gmail.com or call 2152084464! Cheers
NIkki Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? no Date: 1: 52 am, Saturday, October 3, 2009 Your Name: Capt \"D\" David E-mail Address: CaptDaveySaltyRose@post.com Your Story: Norfolk Rebel,
Ahoy Captain, I am writing this email to you as I have a deep passion for sailing and the water. I found your vessel and name listed in the fleet for the GCBSR this year. I am currently working a land lubbers job here in the Hampton Roads area until I get my post divorce financial debts and obligations behind me where I then will be pursuing a life at sea. I currently own a 35\" Hunter sailboat and reside on it here in Hampton Roads. I also work part time utilizing my USCG 50 ton near coastal master license & STCW 95 with sailing and towing endorsements doing charters, boat deliveries and crewing on various local sailing operations and tow boat operations. I participate and crew annually in various sailing Regattas and Cup races up and down the East coast. I was wondering if I could possibly help crew on your vessel in The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooners Race for 2009. I am willing and can travel to Baltimore MD for the start if need be. I can provide a variety of sailing experience and knowledge as I have been sailing & racing in the Chesapeake Bay for over 10 years. I am available either voluntarily or at minimal pay. Please consider my offer for services and if you have any further questions please contact me at my POC info listed below. Resume, certifications and references available.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Fair Winds and Following Seas. (\\_........... ...........-/)
Regards,
Capt \"D\"
------------------
David Rosedale
H:757.440.9552
C:757.292.8654
W:757.788.6212
Hampton Roads, VA.
CaptDaveySaltyRose@post.com Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? no Date: 5: 47 pm, Saturday, October 17, 2009 Your Name: Capr. Dave Bell E-mail Address: dobell@verizon.net Your Story: Capt. Lane taught me tugboating on the Steel Rebel. I\'ve had the pleasures of being part of the launching of the Norfolk Rebel, circumnavigation of Virginia, cross-Florida tow, and tall ship festivals, as well as sailing with Steve, David, Terry, Jesse, and Reb. Thanks, Lane. Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 5: 47 pm, Saturday, October 17, 2009 Your Name: Capt. Dave Bell E-mail Address: dobell@verizon.net Your Story: Capt. Lane taught me tugboating on the Steel Rebel. I\'ve had the pleasures of being part of the launching of the Norfolk Rebel, circumnavigation of Virginia, cross-Florida tow, and tall ship festivals, as well as sailing with Steve, David, Terry, Jesse, and Reb. Thanks, Lane. Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 5: 48 pm, Saturday, October 17, 2009 Your Name: Capt. Dave Bell E-mail Address: dobell@verizon.net Your Story: Capt. Lane taught me tugboating on the Steel Rebel. I\'ve had the pleasure of being part of the launching of the Norfolk Rebel, circumnavigation of Virginia, long lining, cross-Florida tow, and tall ship festivals, as well as sailing with Steve, David, Terry, Jesse, and Reb. Thanks, Lane. Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 6: 44 pm, Friday, November 13, 2009 Your Name: E-mail Address: Your Story: Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 10: 07 am, Thursday, March 4, 2010 Your Name: Peter Drewry E-mail Address: pjdrewry@yahoo.ca Your Story: Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 5: 28 am, Sunday, June 6, 2010 Your Name: Capt. Clyde Hensley E-mail Address: cwhensley@bellsouth.net Your Story: See you soon Steve, got delivery to NY, end of june
305-509-0973 Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 11: 42 am, Monday, June 21, 2010 Your Name: Tom Russell E-mail Address: russellthomasp@yahoo.com Your Story: Feel free to join this group. Hundreds who work in the industry. No charge.
Tall Ship & Traditional Sail Professionals (LinkedIn)
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2041742
Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? no Date: 12: 09 am, Tuesday, August 3, 2010 Your Name: maureen roche E-mail Address: bombi@msn.com Your Story: i was given a tungantine norfolk rebel shirt in cape canaveral florida in 1979 by david briggs.i still have the t shirt and i have never forgotten that meeting and would like to get back in touch with david. please put me in touch with him... thank you... maureen Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 12: 14 am, Tuesday, August 3, 2010 Your Name: maureen roche E-mail Address: bombi@msn.com Your Story: i was given a tugantine norfolk rebel shirt in cape canaveral florida in 1979 by david briggs.i still have the t shirt and i have never forgotten that meeting and would like to get back in touch with david. please put me in touch with him... thank you... maureen Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes Date: 6: 37 am, Monday, August 9, 2010 Your Name: Michael Siega E-mail Address: mgsiega@yahoo.com Your Story: Just wanted to say to hi to captain Stephen Briggs. I may be in the Norfolk area this summer and would love to stop by. Please have Stephen e-mail me. Thanx Michael Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? no Date: 1: 59 am, Thursday, September 2, 2010 Your Name: SUSAN E-mail Address: Likethewaves3@aol.com Your Story: A unique man, a loving family.....all combined w/ water, winds, goodwill and stories combined would fill volumes. Someone should write them down, for the younguns to come. Lane would like that. Love n miss. Have you sailed aboard the Norfolk Rebel? yes