Four years before Maine became a state, Caleb Hodgdon started constructing craft for the fishing fleet of Boothbay Harbor. You’re invited to celebrate that history next August when Hodgdon Yachts marks two consecutive centuries of operations. It’s doing so through two events: the famed Shipyard Cup and its first-ever owners’ rendezvous.
From August 26 to 28, the Shipyard Cup and the Hodgdon Boat Owner’s Rendezvous will be held concurrently. The latter is for anyone possessing a Hodgdon-built boat. No word yet on which owners and yachts will be present. But, the list of the yard’s projects is impressive. There’s the record-breaking racer Comanche, delivered last year. From previous years, there are the lovely ketches Windcrest and Asolare (ex-Scheherazade), the sloop Antonisa, and the commuter yacht Liberty. Further notable: Bowdoin, an Arctic exploration schooner. A number of custom tenders are on the water as well.
As for the Shipyard Cup (above), this regatta is celebrating an anniversary itself, #12. The Shipyard Cup is open to sailing yachts and sailing superyachts from any builder, measuring 70 feet (21 meters) and larger. It’s renowned as a relaxed regatta, set in the Corinthian spirit. The backdrop of the Maine coast makes for an excellent setting, too.
Whichever event attracts your attention, Hodgdon Yachts promises one thing: “There will be lobsters!”
Being in business for 200 years is certainly cause for celebration. But the significance of Hodgdon Yachts’ anniversary goes deeper. The yard is now in the hands of the fifth and sixth generations of Hodgdon family members. They are Timothy Hodgdon, the president, and Audrey Hodgdon, the marketing manager. (A little history: Timothy Hodgdon joined his father, George, in the business in 1979. George’s father and two uncles ran the company prior to him.) And, equally important, Hodgdon Yachts is America’s, and the world’s, oldest boatbuilder.
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