In the first section the personalities of the individuals influential in promoting the Roanoke voyages is discussed, especially the actions of Sir Walter Ralegh. For these individuals, funding the expeditions was a business transaction with the fiscal return based on the capture of Spanish bullion-carrying galleons off the Chesapeake and Carolina coasts.
The second section focuses on the physical preparations for the expeditions--locating and signing qualified sailors and other staff; securing appropriate ships; acquiring all of the necessary food, supplies, ordnance, tools, and equipment for the endeavors.
The last section presents an examination of the financing of each of Roanoke voyages.