40 Yard Line

Yesterday I attended the annual Maine Boatbuilders show in its new venue, the Portland Sports Complex. The show, spread out over two domed football playing fields, seemed well attended, with boating enthusiasts engaged with vendors of everything from custom lobster boats to magazine subscriptions. Personally, I struggled a bit with the AstroTurf underfoot, which felt odd at a down-East boat show, but I picked up some interesting tidbits in different conversations. I learned how the UNH Marine Docent program conducts a summer small boat building program for children and their families, and of a fully restored antique Elco cruiser recently donated to the Block Island Maritime Funding organization. And, I developed a better understanding of some of the traditional boat building techniques used in building fuel-efficient boats at The Landing School. All in all, despite feeling the need for cleats and pads, the show was an enjoyable experience which I look forward to attending next year.