Oldest Friendship Sloop to be launched at Museum

On Saturday, July 7, at roughly noon, the rebuilt Friendship Sloop Blackjack will be launched at the Sail, Power and Steam Museum in Rockland.

This 118 year old boat has been lovingly restored by a team of professionals and volunteers. Friendship sloops were Maine’s first lobster boats and are symbolic of Maine’s fishery. Blackjack was originally built by Wilbur Morse in Friendship, Maine.

Blackjack will be hauled by a team of oxen from the museum to the launching ramp at the Snow Marine Park in Rockland. Onlookers will be entertained by 12 Belfast Fiddlers. In addition there will be bagpipes and a toast for the ceremony.

Sharp’s Point South and the Sail, Power and Steam Museum are at 75 Mechanic Street in Rockland. For more information on the Sail, Power and Steam Museum and its programs, 207-701-7627, email sailpowersteammuseum@gmail.com or visit the website at www.sailpowersteammuseum.org.