All Hands On Deck
for the BOWDOIN
The Schooner BOWDOIN, launched in 1921 by Hodgdon Brothers Shipyard of Boothbay, Maine, was com-
missioned and commanded by explorer Donald MacMil an, a pioneer in sail training. MacMil an was deeply
committed to education and to providing access to the arctic for scientists and students. His summer voyages to the
Arctic were always undertaken with a crew of college-aged men eager for adventure. MacMil an would be thrilled
to know that his graceful ship, now captained by Eric Jergenson '00, is wel cared for and stil serving as a leader in
sail-training at Maine Maritime Academy today.
The BOWDOIN's future did not always look so bright. During the 1960s, the vessel was poorly maintained
and left in a state of neglect. In the 1970s, Captain Jim Sharpe, of Camden, Maine, did what he could to restore the
BOWDOIN with extremely limited funds. Final y, in the 1980s, the BOWDOIN underwent a complete `rebuild' at
the Percy & Smal Shipyard. At that time, her original white pine deck was replaced and sealed. Just as Hodgdon
Brothers had done when she was first built, her decks were laid of 2 ¾ white pine and caulked with cotton, oakum,
and pitch before they were painted. That 1980s deck has lasted through 33 years of sailing but, according to Capt.
John Worth, Schooner BOWDOIN Committee Chair, "It's time to replace the deck once again."
The deck wil require new white pine and a polysulfide seaming compound. That sounds straight-forward but
here is what goes into replacing the deck on this historic vessel that is almost 100 years old: quality boards must be
purchased, stabilized, and dried; BOWDOIN must be pulled out of the water and put into extra sturdy supports; a
structure must be built so the shipwrights and students can work on her through the Maine winter. Because she has
an American fishing schooner design, "her deck is unique as an integrated part of the cabin housing and wil re-
quire that al cabin houses be completely lifted off and placed in storage," stated Worth. Her rig, cap rail, bulwarks,
and sheer strake must be removed and replaced; her chain plate must be removed and re-galvanized to eliminate
rust; the deck must be installed and caulked; the cabin houses must be returned to their places on the new deck;
and these need to be sealed before she can be returned to the water for sea trials and her required US Coast Guard
inspection.
Replacement of the BOWDOIN's deck is the first phase of a major restoration project that wil take place over
the next ten years. Fund-raising efforts have begun with major donors, but this phase wil also require support from
al who care about the BOWDOIN's legacy. The BOWDOIN wil be visiting ports on the Northeast Coast this June
and July and you wil be welcome to go aboard for a tour (see sidebar for location and dates). As Captain Jergenson
says, "The BOWDOIN is worth our investment. She continues to work hard in support of the training mission of
the school and serves as an ambassador for Maine Maritime Academy wherever she sails. Most importantly, BOW-
DOIN offers an experience rich in maritime tradition and teamwork for our sail-training students."
For more information about the BOWDOIN's schedule and fund-raising activities, please visit the BOWDOIN's Facebook page.
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