PORTLAND, Maine–The schooner Bowdoin is the official vessel of the state of Maine, and the flagship of Maine Maritime Academy’s Vessel Operations and Technology Program. In recognition of the Senior Arctic Officials (SAO) Meeting of the Arctic Council in Portland, the schooner Bowdoin, an ambassador of Maine’s proud maritime heritage and Arctic history, is sailing into Portland Harbor on October 4th at 4pm and docking at the U.S. Coast Guard moorings at Wright’s Wharf in Portland. Public tours of schooner Bowdoin will take place from 5-7 pm.
Bowdoin was built in East Boothbay, Maine in 1921. She is the only American schooner built specifically for Arctic exploration, and was designed under the direction of explorer Donald B. MacMillan. She has made 29 trips above the Arctic Circle, three since she was acquired by Maine Maritime Academy in 1988.
Bowdoin will travel from its home port in Castine, Maine to arrive near Eagle Island in Casco Bay, summer home of Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary. Once it reaches the vicinity of Eagle Island a group of invited guests will board the vessel for the trip into Portland Harbor. Weather and on-scene conditions will determine the exact rendezvous point.
Guests include Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., USCG (Ret.) and the U.S. Special Representative for the Arctic. He is leading the effort to advance U.S. interests in the Arctic Region, with a focus on Arctic Ocean stewardship, climate change, economic, environmental, and security issues in the Arctic region as the United States holds the chairmanship of the Arctic Council from 2015-2017.
“MMA acquired the schooner Bowdoin in 1988 for the purpose of training future mariners,” said Maine Maritime Academy President William J. Brennan. “In 2021, Bowdoin will proudly celebrate her first 100 years of service, and our goal is to have her in prime condition for her centennial celebration. With public and state support of the Bowdoin Centennial Campaign, we will ensure that the vessel remains an active and historically preserved vessel in perpetuity.”
Admiral Papp and President Brennan will be joined by two Arctic Youth Ambassadors from Alaska as well as fourteen Maine students from Baxter Academy for Technology and Science in Portland who sailed aboard Bowdoin from Castine.
When Bowdoin docks in Portland at 4pm it will be met by members of the Arctic Council who represent countries from across the globe. Admiral Papp and President Brennan will make brief remarks once the vessel is docked.
Public tours of schooner Bowdoin will take place from 5-7pm.
IMPORTANT:
Media is invited to cover the event. Those interested will need to meet at the U.S. Coast Guard moorings at Wright’s Wharf, 378 Commercial St., Portland at 11:30 am on Tuesday, Oct. 4th. Everyone will board a Coast Guard boat and depart promptly at noon. There is limited space on schooner Bowdoin, so it will be a pool situation for television crews. Media not on Bowdoin will be transferred to the Harvey Gamage, a second schooner which has been accompanying Bowdoin from Castine. Be aware that Eagle Island is closed and the transfer of crews and gear will be done at sea. Once the boat docks in Portland at approx. 4pm the pool crew will be responsible for providing dubs to stations not on Bowdoin. It will be a quick turnaround so crews should be prepared.
Media wishing to cover this event MUST RSVP by Friday, Sept. 30th at 3pm.
Contact:
Marnie MacLean
PR Committee, Maine Arctic Host Committee
Maine North Atlantic Development Office
207-829-6496
marniemaclean1@gmail.com
www.maineandthearctic.com
Jennifer DeJoy
Director of College Relations
Maine Maritime Academy
207-326-2256
jennifer.dejoy@mma.edu
mainemaritime.edu
Historical images of schooner Bowdoin and Donald MacMillan as well as recent photos of students training in the Maine Maritime Academy Vessel Operations and Technology Program are available upon request.
All Rights Reserved © 2024 • Web issue?
Non-Discrimination Notice • Privacy Policy & GDPR