Jane Benham MBE (28 January 1943, Colchester, Essex – June 1992, Colchester) was instrumental in the formation and operation of the East Coast Sail Trust, a charitable institution devoted to both character building for young people through sail training, and preservation of Thames sailing barges. The Trust has been running now for over 40 years, during which time many thousands of young people from all over Britain and indeed around the world, have benefited from the unique experience that is provided. A mark of the impact she made is the institution of an annual memorial lecture in her honour, which continues today.