Maine Built Boats announces the second annual "Open Boatyard Days" to be held on Aug. 15-16. During this two-day event, participating boatbuilders, boatyards, and marine-related businesses from Kittery to Eastport will open their doors to the public and even offer guided tours (on the hour, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.).
From refits of existing yachts to new builds of both power and sail boats, participants will enjoy a rare opportunity to witness firsthand one of Maine's signature industries.
"Boatbuilding is Maine's oldest industry, going back more than 400 years, and yet few people actually get to see the craftsmanship as it unfolds in Maine boatyards," said Kerri Russell, president of Maine Built Boats, in a press release. "During last year's event we had between 700 and 1,000 people and this year we hope to see even more."
Companies participating include, by region:
Midcoast
• Front Street Shipyard, Belfast
• Great Island Boatyard, Harpswell
• Rockport Marine, Rockport
• Artisan Boatworks, (Aug. 15 only) Rockport
• Back Cove Yachts, Rockland
• Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding, Thomaston
The most up-to-date listing of participating businesses is available at mainebuiltboats.com.
Boatbuilding is the third-largest manufacturing industry in Maine and remains an essential part of the state's economy. Maine Built Boats is a non-profit, member-driven trade organization building awareness, appreciation and demand for Maine's boatbuilding industry.
