The last pure sail pilot schooner serving the Chesapeake Bay, the 118-foot original Virginia served the Virginia Pilot association from 1917 to 1926. Fast and seaworthy, Virginia remained in service long into an age where power vessels become the preferred platform for pilot station ships. The Virginia Maritime Heritage Foundation in construction partnership with TriCoastal Marine Inc. has built a recreation of the schooner on Norfolk’s historic Waterfront. Pilot Schooner Virginia started sailing the eastern seaboard in 2005. The foundation has created an international schedule to serve the economic needs of the Commonwealth. Educational programs have been built into the schedule taking full advantage of Virginia’s geographical locations to create stimulating educational requirements.