9th Annual MS Tugboat Muster
August 22nd, 2010

Title Sponsor:

 

Join us August 22, 2010 on the Maine State Pier
for another exciting afternoon of Tugboat fun!

MS Harborfest Tugboat Muster and Shoreside Festival
Portland Ocean Terminal at the Maine State pPier
Sunday, August 22 11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

Open to the public!

On Sunday morning, tugboats from around the state will gather at the Maine State Pier for the start of the annual MS Tugboat Muster and Shoreside Festival. The final event of the MS Harborfest Weekend, it features a 2:00 p.m. tugboat parade along the Portland waterfront, followed by tugboat races in the outer harbor and pushing competition between the tugs.

Tugboats from Hartley Marine Services, Winslow Marine and Portland Tugboat, LLC have participated in the Tugboat Muster since 2002. Harborfest Tugboat Committee member Bill Van Voorhis says, “When you see five tugs lined up in Portland Harbor, it’s a powerful spectacle. Although the tugs are comparable in power, it’s the hull shape that makes the difference on who the race winner is, but it’s all for the fun of raising money for the Chapter. You can hear people cheering the tugs on from the Eastern Promenade.”

Asked what the lure of the tugs is, Van Voorhis says “Everybody loves tugs, whether you’re a boater or not. They’re the hardest workers in the harbor. They serve as rescue boats, deal with fire problems and work steadily around the clock moving shipping commerce in and out of the harbor.”

The Shoreside Festival, held on the Maine State Pier in conjunction with the Tugboat Muster, features survival suit races, food, exhibitors and music. “It’s great fun for the entire family and admission is free,” says Van Voohis. For the third year, the festivities are generously supported by Bangor Savings Bank.

For information, contact Michelle Zichella at 2077817960 ext. 111 or michelle.zichella@nmss.org or visit
http://www.msmaine.org/ and click on “events.”