The Norfolk Rebel is one of a kind as is Captain Lane Briggs pictue here hard at work assisting the Tole Mour. The Norfolk Rebel is a muli purpose ship.
she acts as a towing. fishing, cargo carring and salvage vessel. Her unique hull design and combination of 320 horsepower Eng and over 1300 sq. ft. of sail area. allows here to work worl under sail motor or both. She is a gaff rigged schooner.
EMAIL from Norfolk Rebel Subject:
Plans are underway for the above event, which is held every fall between Baltimore and Norfolk. Last year 40 schooners from 34 to 155 feet LOA participated. Unique among the events for schooners of all types it involves night sailing on the Chesapeake and stiff competition in four classes. Highlights include terrific hospitality at both ends of the course. This year's event is from October 16 to 20 and already over 20 schooners have registered; we expect between 40 and 50 to start the race. Line honors went to Woodwind (Annapolis) in 1995 and Leopard (Key West) in 1994.
Race founder is Capt. Lane Briggs whose schooner-rigged working tugboat the Norfolk Rebel is familiar to schooner crews all over the East Coast. The Norfolk Rebel (A Merritt Walter design) was conceived as a fuel-efficient multipurpose workboat back in the days of the energy crisis, and has been working under sail since her 1980 launch at Rebel Marine Service in Norfolk. Fully found, her traditional gaff rig features a unique removable bowsprit. She is equipped with a cargo hold and has engaged in towing, salvage, and commercial fishing. In 1984 she circumnavigated Virginia via the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi. Capt. Briggs promotes energy efficiency and character-building youth sail training programs in his voyages as well as thinking up ways to get schooner sailors together for a good gam and a "cup of tea."
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5/17/96