Articles
Technology, Tradition Combine in Racing Boat Project
Pendleton Yacht Yard (PYY), of Islesboro is helping to pioneer a new method to repair and enhance the performance of traditional carvel planked wooden boats. The local yacht club races an aging class of Sparkman and Stephens designed Dark Harbor 20s. The Dark Harbor 20s are 20 feet long on the waterline and 30 feet
Fourth and fifth graders undertake independent research
Oceans Apart is a new program being taught to Islesboro’s fourth and fifth grade students. It is providing a hands-on opportunity for students study the ecology and heritage of Maine’s coast while also teaching traditional subjects. Oceans Apart was founded on the belief that learning should be an experiential process in which students can engage
Islesboro firm diversifies, specializes and prospers
Pendleton Yacht Yard on Islesboro has evolved into a first class, full service boatyard specializing in high-end classic yacht restorations. Once an automotive garage, the yard is now the island’s largest employer and handles over 300 boats annually. The last decade has brought a period of rapid growth and expansion. Current projects range from the
Coastal ice scrapes bottoms, hampers travel
The 2002-2003 winter was hardly a record-setter in the books of the National Weather Service, but for seasoned island residents it brought forth many memories. The most ice seen in nearly a generation quickly built in upper Penobscot Bay towards the end of February after two months of sustained cold. Ferry trips were delayed and
Booming real estate threatens Islesboro
Rising property values on Islesboro are changing the dynamics of the island community and threatening its year round population. According to Islesboro’s 2002 comprehensive plan, Islesboro has one of the oldest populations in the state with a median age of 46 years compared to a state average of 38.5 years. Property costs on Islesboro are
Rockland hosts WoodenBoat fest
From July 12 through July 14, Rockland’s waterfront will swell with traditional wooden boats as the harbor and town host this year’s WoodenBoat Show. This year’s show, known as the International Festival of Seamanship and Boatbuilding, is actually a combination of three events, including the Watercraft Challenge, the Atlantic Challenge and the traditional WoodenBoat Show.
Winterport sees first ship in five years
The first large ship to arrive and offload cargo at the Winterport Cold Storage Terminal in five years made its way up the Penobscot River in April. The 403-foot FRIO POSEIDON offloaded 1,000 metric tons of frozen squid from the Falkland Islands and was docked at the facility for over a week. Many onlookers stopped
Islesboro protects its groundwater
Fearful of overuse and contamination, Islesboro has established a committee to oversee the protection of the island’s groundwater. The committee is unique to the area. Allen Mirk, member of the Islesboro Groundwater Protection Committee (IGWPC), said, “we feel like we are in the vanguard, we are trying to find out what we have before we
Sardine history museum moves closer to reality
A new museum in Jonesport may soon open its doors. Ronnie Peabody and his wife Mary have been assembling and cataloging a large collection of sardine canning memorabilia. Peabody hopes to “preserve what is left of sardine history and preserve the memories that remain from a bygone time.” Herring (sardine) canneries were once a prolific
Commission slashes 2002 shrimp season
The tension between fishermen and policy makers during a Nov. 15 public hearing was evident as a standing-room-only audience heard words not uttered since 1978, the last time the shrimp fishery was closed for a season. The initial recommendation made by the ASMFC Technical Committee based on the estimated size and distribution of current northern