Photo / Courtesy Keith Spiro
Distinctive tanbark sails and familiar chevron define Maine's First Ship, Virginia
Updated: 7 hours ago
‘First ship’ nonprofit’s new director brings deep draft of maritime experience
Photo / Courtesy Maine's First Ship
Alicia Witham is seen aboard sailing vessel Tifara during her recent transatlantic crossing.
Maine’s First Ship, a Bath nonprofit that provides education and sailing programs using its reconstruction of the 1607 sailing ship Virginia, got a boatload of maritime education experience in the recent hire of its executive director.
Alicia Witham comes from four years leading the Carpenter's Boat Shop, a residential apprenticeship program in the midcoast town of Bristol.
A Portland native, she graduated from the Arundel-based Landing School, taught US Sailing courses, was Olympic Circle Sailing Club general manager in Berkeley, Calif., formerly held a U.S. Coast Guard 50-ton masters license and worked in education and leadership at Hurricane Island Outward Bound School for over 18 years.
Built in 1607-1608 near Bath, the Virginia was the first ocean-going ship built in North America by English colonists. Construction of its likeness started two decades ago.The organization's first executive director, Kirstie Truluck, oversaw the launch of the modern version in Bath in 2022.
Witham was hired to expand education and sailing opportunities for a growing membership and audience. Recently returned from crewing a transatlantic passage from Martinique to Spain, Witham discussed goals for Maine's First Ship. Here’s an edited transcript.
Mainebiz: What brought you to Maine's First Ship?
Alicia Witham: I’ve worked with students for most of my life. Carpenter's Boat Shop had worked with Maine’s First Ship — we had sent our apprentices to volunteer there. When I saw the position was available, I applied and through the interview process realized I felt like I had a lot to offer.
MB: What are your duties there?
AW: In any new position of leadership, the first period of time is spent getting to know the people who have put so much into the organization. So — a lot of listening and learning and observation. Summer is underway, so a lot of the programming and planning has already been created for this season. This is an opportunity to jump in and do my best to help make great decisions alongside the folks who have already done most of the planning for the season, while also creating programs and events for the fall, to create educational opportunities for folks to participate on the ship as well as using the magnificent freight shed as a classroom and event space.
MB: When did Maine’s First Ship start its programming for the Virginia?
AW: Virginia launched in 2022. The summer of 2024 was when they started their first two-hour public sails, six people at a time. They also went to Boothbay Windjammer Days and started to do event sails on the coast of Maine.
This is a pivotal transitional place. We’re at the beginning of creating programming. Originally, the organization focused on building the vessel. Now that it’s built, we have this opportunity to create programs for youth and adults, schools, camps — for folks to participate in the historical piece and the seamanship piece. It’s such as great vessel for those opportunities. We’re looking at how to maximize the impact locally and regionally.
MB: How many employees and volunteers does Maine’s First Ship have?
AW: We have 11 board members, three staff and close to 65 volunteers — some come two times a year, some are here almost every day. A lot of folks on our board helped either with the fundraising or the actual building of the vessel. There’s a strong involvement and passion around this particular vessel.
MB: How has the region’s maritime education industry evolved over the years?
AW: There are so many opportunities these days for getting people onto boats, whether it’s SEA [Sea Education Association in Woods Hole, Mass.] or Outward Bound out of Wheeler Bay [in Spruce Head]. I’ve always felt a sailboat is one of the best platforms for transformation, for anyone of any age. I chose to sail across the Atlantic on a boat delivery because I knew it was going to be this refresh button. I was at sea close to 30 days and was in this ocean landscape for self-reflection and intentional decision-making. When you have no distractions, it’s an opportunity.
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