Note: For the record, Boothbay Harbor residents will elect local officials on May 5. Boothbay town residents will vote on May 1. No, it is not time to elect a president. We will leave that topic for another day. It is not time to elect anyone to the.
Joe Gelarden Wed, 04/21/2021 - 7:00am
Like most launchings, it started with a groan as gravity, and a pull from a tug, began to pull the steel vessel from the shed where she was born. Slowly at first, then a bit quicker, she slid down the greased ways until her stern dunked into the Damariscotta River.
As the bulk of the 154 foot-long craft left the Washburn & Doughty Shipyard and took her first gentle roll, she became alive. Christened
Capt. Richard G. Spear, she became the latest to be crafted and launched from the shores of East Boothbay.
Your tax money paid $10.9 million to build the 465-ton ferry that will soon sail to Rockland, where she will carry up to 250 passengers and 23 vehicles to Vinalhaven.
Spectacular launch starts career of new, Maine-built state ferry
The new Maine State Ferry Service boat, Captain Richard G. Spear, set sail in East Boothbay on Friday. Author: Don Carrigan Updated: 8:51 PM EDT April 9, 2021
BOOTHBAY, Maine There may have been a lot of nervous moments Friday for the president of the Washburn and Doughty Shipyard.
“A launch is nerve-wracking and tense on a good day, and then you add a little drama (and) its nerve-wracking,” said Katie Doughty Maddox.
She was breathing easier by then, after the new Maine State Ferry Service boat,
Captain Richard G. Spear finally slid down the ways and into the Damariscotta River.
KEVIN BURNHAM Fri, 04/09/2021 - 2:45pm
Capt. Richard G. Spear splashes into the Damariscotta River during its launch at Washburn & Doughty Shipyard in East Boothbay on Friday, April 9. KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register
Gov. Janet T. Mills said at the launching ceremony, “I wish the Capt. Richard G. Spear fair winds and following seas for many years to come.” KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register
Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner Bruce A. Van Note said “We are fortunate that we were able to award this contract to a Maine company . right here in East Boothbay.” KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register
Washburn and Doughty Associates, Inc. President Katie Doughty Maddox said “The fact that the state need look no further than East Boothbay for new vessel construction is a boon to the state and to the livelihood of many Maine families.” KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register