Captain Bill Kingston: "Two is the Limit!"
- Pemaquid Marine Owners
- Classic Boat Shop Boat
By Carol McCracken (Post # 737)
Rumery Boat Yard Boat
Optimism is up and so is attendance at the annual Maine Boatbuilders Show that began yesterday mornng. Attendance is up 20% over last year reported the organizers of the three-day event taking place at the Portland Company Complex on the Portland waterfront, 58 Fore Street. The show ends tomorrow afternoon.
The good news was welcome news for boatbuilders from the northeast who have been struggling to survive the recession of the last several years. “We have noticed that people are williing to spend more money, not only on maintenance, but also on upgrades. That’s an improvement from last year,” said Sean B. Tarpey, president of Rumery’s Boat Yard, Biddeford. “It’s the best show there is. I like coming here because the show has nice, classic boats with excellent workmanship.” Tarpery was standing beside a Herresshoff Day Sailor – an Alerion 26 which is a close replica of the original designed by top designer Herresshoff – for sale for $129,000. Email: starpey@rumerys.com with all offers!
Joan Fetsko and her husband Ted Derivan bought Pemaquid Marine, New Harbor almost two years ago after having recently relocated themselves and their boat building business from Lunenburg & Mahone Bay, N.S. The two turned their love of sailing into their livelihood. In addition to them, the couple employes 7 people. A year ago, Pemaquid Marine was featured in “WoodenBoat” magazine for restoring a 30 ft. wooden motorsailer, the Morning Star, built in 1939. The yard also builds the Banks Cove 22 – base cost $67,500. For more and to order a boat, pls. visit www.pemaquidmarine.com.!
“The boat business is very emotional – not unlike the stock market,” said boatbuilder Jean H. Beaulieu, owner of the Classic Boat Shop, Bernard. Originally from Quebec, Beaulieu said he’s been coming to this show for 10 years. “We have a following here. People come every year to the show to see us. They may not buy a boat, but we are friends,” he said. “This show is a kick-off to spring. It arrives tomorrow.” Behind Beaulieu was another lovely, classic Herresshoff sloop whose base price is $50,000. Please email jean@classicboatshop.com with offers as well!
Just as exhibitors return year-after-year, so do show attendees. “Coming to this boat show is an annual tradition. I’ve gotten two boats here. One year I won one in a raffle. Later, I bought a 19 ft. gaff rigged sloop built by Landing School back in 1990. If I buy another boat, my wife, Princess, will divorce me,” Captain Bill Kingston said laughing. “Two is the limit. No more.” A former US Air pilot, he now runs excursions boats out of Perkins Cove. Paul & Kelly Barrett and their happy 8 month old son, Ryan, were among the show attendees. “I bought a boat here 10 years ago,” said Paul. It was a 14 ft. Cape Cod Cat Boat. He currently has a 31 ft. boat which he is looking to replace with a (used) 34 to 36 ft. boat. Paul has been coming to the boatshow for 12 years. None of these boats are for sale; hence no emails addresses have been included!