Page 2. MAINE COASTAL NEWS December 2008
Maine Coastal News
Publisher's Note
P.O. Box 710
The major question on almost boat, all new gear and maybe even a new
Winterport, Maine 04496-0710 U.S.A.
everyone’s mind is the state of the economy. pickup. These people were way over ex-
(207) 223-8846 Fax (207) 223-9004
We now have a new president and the prom- tended and if there was a little decline in their
E-mail - igmatats@aol.com
ises he made will be tough to get accom- income they were in trouble. Unfortunately,
plished. Unfortunately there are too many when dealing with mother-nature there are
Web site: www.mainescoast.com people in Washington, both elected and no guarantees that the catch will be the same
appointed that only care about one thing, every year and over the last two years the
lining their pockets with our money. How- catch has been down. What the banks also
ever, if we can trust Wall Street’s move quickly found out was that there was little
upwards during Thanksgiving week, there market for these boats so they opted to work
may be a glimmer of hope. The problem is that with the person instead of foreclosing.
there are so many factors playing into this The price of lobster dropped dramati-
problem that it may take some time to get back cally this fall and many fishermen found
on an even keel. themselves in desperate straits. It was good
What bothered me the most about the to see the word get out and many Mainers,
elections is that no one addressed the real myself included, buying more lobster than
problem. I got a lesson one day of where this usual to help. There were a number who
problem originated and you cannot blame opted to cook lobster for Thanksgiving in-
Maine Coastal News is dedicated to covering the waterfront of State of Maine. It covers
George Bush. This goes all the way back to stead of a turkey and I am sure it will be on the
commercial fishing, yachting (power and sail), boat yard and waterfront news and maritime history. the late 1970s when Congress, in their infinite menu at Christmas.
Maine Coastal News is published 12 times per year.
wisdom to keep being elected, softened the Even the pleasure boat market has suf-
The distribution of Maine Coastal News is from Eastport to Kittery and is free on the
regulations on the lending industries. In fact fered. The boat shops and repair yards that
newsstand. It also can be by subscription. A year subscription, 12 issues, is $20.00. A single copy
there was an article in the New York Times in I have been in, most have work, but with some
is $2.00, which covers the postage. Foreign rates for subscriptions are $40.00 per year.
September 1999 telling of the consequences it is real thin, maybe a month or two ahead.
The Maine Coastal News office is located at 966 North Main Street, Winterport, Maine.
Comments or additional information write: Maine Coastal News, P.O. Box 710, Winterport,
of these changes if the economy ever fell and What is scary is that some are saying that the
Maine 04496.
the author was exactly right in his predic- telephone is not ringing much. Many who
tions. were planning to do something this fall can-
Always the hardest hit industry is recre- celled when Wall Street took a nose dive.
ational business, like boating. Over the last Hopefully these people will resurface
several seasons the boatbuilders have seen quickly as Wall Street starts to rebound.
a major decline. Less and less commercial Is this the worst we have seen? No, I
Publisher Jon B. Johansen
boats have been ordered due to the high remember back to the Luxury Tax days when
price of bait and fuel, coupled with the low orders dried up completely and the future
Editor-in-Chief Rachel Elward
price they were getting for their catch. There looked even dimmer. We survived that eco-
was also another problem that few discussed nomic crises and we will survive this one too.
very quietly and that was the number of For those looking for a boat, this is a
Advertising Deadlines: The deadline for the January issue is 12 December.
fishermen that were in financial trouble be- great time to buy. If your financial bottom line
The deadline for the February issue is 9 January.
cause they opted to finance a nice new big allows it, do not hesitate.
MCN's Calendar of Coastal Events
DECEMBER Bill Scheuermann - obregatta@ exhibits of powerboats that appeal to the prizes and scholarships. This program is
2 “The 6-Meter Class” gmail.com family cruising and fishing audiences as well the most successful youth fishing
Toby Rodes www.coralreefyachtclub.org/ as small sailing crafts like Lasers and program in the country.
Dinner at Café Zelda index.cfm?menu=7560 Sunfish. Add in kayaks and inflatables plus Hours: Thursday and Friday -
528 Thames Street booths filled with equipment, seminars and Noon to 9 PM; Saturday–10 AM to 9 PM;
Lecture at IYRS JANUARY giveaways and you have the perfect show Sunday–10 AM to 5 PM
449 Thames Street 8 Orientation on Careers and for boaters. Tickets: Adults $10.00 at the
At 1930 hrs Training in the Marine Industry Small Craft Sailing Center and a door, Children under 12 Free with an
Newport, RI CCRI Auditorium Focus on Fishing area plus Brokerage Boats adult. Advance discount tickets are
Info: (401) 848-5777 Newport Campus listing available on-line for only $8.00.
One John H. Chafee Blvd. 225 Exhibitors over 300 Boats from Info: (401) 846-1115 or
6-7 USA Junior Olympic Sailing 6 pm – 8 pm 8' to 40' www.providenceboatshow.com
Festival IYRS will host an evening 180 booths with Electronics,
US Sailing Center of Martin orientation session on career and training Engines, Accessories & Services - FEBRUARY
County, Jensen Beach, FL opportunities in the marine industry. The including Financing, Insurance, Storage, 28 Marine Industry Career Day
Peter Strong - peter@usscmc. session is geared both toward skilled Repair and Maintenance IYRS Newport Campus
org individuals who want to learn how to apply More than 140,000 sq. ft. of boats 449 Thames Street
www.usscmc.org their experience to marine careers, and to and equipment. 10 am – 2 pm
individuals with no prior experience around Door prizes and giveaways. The International Yacht
13 Holiday Art Show at IYRS boats but an interest in entering the field. Convenient location, a great Restoration School (IYRS) will host the
IYRS Restoration Hall Individuals from leading marine businesses facility, with fun activities for the whole Fourth Annual Marine Industry Career
449 Thames Street in Rhode Island will talk about career paths. family Day on Saturday, February 28. Attendees
10 am – 5 pm Those looking to enter the industry can Indoor Parking on-site can meet regional employers—including
IYRS and the Museum of learn about IYRS’s nine-day introductory Demonstrations, Workshops and boat builders, boat yards, and marine
Yachting will host a Holiday Art Show on course, the Marine Trades Training Seminars including: Charlie Soares on Live manufacturers—attend seminars on
Saturday, December 13, with items on Program, which will be held February 17-27, Baits-Trophy Tactics. Tips, Tricks & marine-industry opportunities, get
display and available for purchase. The 2009. Developed with support from the Tactics to put a 50 on the end of your line. information on careers and training
collection includes maritime paintings United Way of RI, the course trains students Captain Bill Brown on Block Island Bass & programs, see hands-on demonstrations,
from Michael Florio and Quester Gallery, in the basic skills needed to enter the Big Fish Beyond plus BoatWise Marine and learn about the skills needed to work
and a collection of one-of-a-kind ship industry and is followed by IYRS Marine Training School’s Ethanol’s Effect on in the boating business. Over 30
models, half-hulls, and eagles from the Industry Career Day (February 28), where Marine Motors. The seminars and companies are expected to attend the
American Marine Model Gallery and R. individuals interested in marine careers can workshops run all day all four days. one-day event. The event is free to the
Michael Wall. An opening reception will connect with area employers. Children’s Activity Center public.
be held Friday evening, December 12, from Info: www.iyrs.org or contact John featuring the “CastingKids Program” Info: www.iyrs.org or contact
6 pm to 8 pm (RSVP required). Freer (jfreer@iyrs.org / 401-848-5777, ext. presented by the Rhode Island Bass John Freer (jfreer@iyrs.org / 401-848-
Information and to preview the 203). Federation. Known throughout the United 5777, ext. 203).
collection: www.iyrs.org or contact States, the program is a flip, pitch and cast
Deirdre Opp (401-848-5777, ext. 217). 29 - 1 Feb. Annual Providence Boat Show competition open to young people in two
RI Convention Centre age groups, 7-10 and 11-14. Winners at the
27-30 USA Junior Olympic Sailing Providence, RI Show, one in each age group all four days,
Festival - Orange Bowl International Details: The 16th Annual will go on to compete at the state and
Youth Regatta Providence Boat Show is one of the first of national level where the program has
US Sailing Center & Coral Reef the Winter Boat Shows in New England reached over 1.9 million children and
Yacht Club, Miami, FL featuring boats and equipment. Filled with awarded more than $3.1 million in cash,
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