Tall Ships America held its annual conference in Los Angeles California this week and with six current students, four alumni, and two previous Captains of the Bowdoin in attendance, Maine Maritime Academy was well represented! Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, Administrator of the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), opened the conference with remarks that highlighted the importance of specialized sail training and the development of a skilled and diverse workforce to meet America’s needs.  In many ways, Bowdoin represents the epitome of his words, having provided hands-on educational experiences for hundreds of students and crew that now serve aboard vessels in the US Merchant Marine fleet.

While the conference was going on in LA, the shipwrights in Boothbay Harbor were busy making repairs that will allow the Bowdoin to continue the 98-year tradition of training young people at sea.  The installation of six futtock sections was completed and the yard received a shipment of white oak boards that will make up the vessel’s new bottom planking. Many of the boards are 3 inches thick, over 40 inches wide, and 33 feet long!

As always, thank you all for your ongoing support of Bowdoin and her continued operations.

All the best,

Captain McLean

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