[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 135TH ANNIVERSARY OF MAINE'S FRIENDSHIP SLOOP

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                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2015

  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 135th anniversary 
of the Friendship Sloop, a style of sailing vessel that stands as an 
icon of Maine's maritime heritage.
  Friendship Sloops were developed over a century ago in Maine's 
Muscongus Bay as fishing and lobstering boats. Their beautiful lines 
served an important purpose. The shape of the hull provided great 
stability and lobstermen could sail the boats by themselves while 
laying and checking their traps by hand. Many local craftsmen were 
known for building them, but none more than Wilbur Morse of Friendship, 
Maine. Morse's shop turned out so many of the boats that they 
eventually became known by the name of his hometown.
  With the advent of modern-day engines in the 20th century, the 
Friendship Sloop fell out of favor as a fishing vessel. But it wasn't 
long before its beauty and functionality made it a popular design for 
recreational sailboats and yachts. Its distinctive shape lives on to 
this day with the help of many enthusiasts who carry on its legacy. 
Since 1961, the Friendship Sloop Society has hosted an annual regatta 
and connected a community of people who sail, rebuild, and appreciate 
these boats.
  Much has changed since 1880, but life on the Maine coast retains many 
connections to those earlier days. Hard-working individuals still make 
their living on the water. Tight-knit communities still pull together 
for each other. And Friendship Sloops still gracefully ply the waters, 
their design largely unchanged in 135 years. Some things just cannot be 
improved upon.
  My appreciation goes to all those who keep the tradition of the 
Friendship Sloop alive. It gives me great pleasure to celebrate its 
135th anniversary.

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