[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 20]
[Senate]
[Pages 26685-26686]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING MORRIS YACHTS

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, four centuries ago, in my home State 
of Maine, a group of colonists settled on the mouth of the Kennebec 
River. There, they built the Virginia, a 30-ton pinnace that voyaged 
across the Atlantic Ocean at least twice. By constructing the first 
English-built ship in North America, these early Mainers engendered a 
rich tradition of shipbuilding that continues still today. In this time 
of economic volatility, Maine shipbuilders who carry on this lofty 
practice are some of the many small businesses that are piloting our 
Nation out of this recession. I rise today to note the achievements of 
one of these

[[Page 26686]]

remarkable companies, Morris Yachts, which is headquartered in the 
picturesque Maine village of Bass Harbor.
  Since his business first set sail in 1972, Tom Morris has added 
immensely to the abundant history of Down-east shipbuilding. Mr. 
Morris's passion for sailing spawned from summer vacations in Maine 
with his family. Similarly, he instilled his zeal into his son, Cuyler, 
who joined him at the wheel of Morris Yachts in 1995. With father and 
son at the helm, the company outgrew its home of 27 years in Southwest 
Harbor a decade ago and now operates a complete yacht service company 
just down the road at its present facility.
  During the company's near three decades in the Maine boatbuilding 
arena, Morris Yachts has become a trusted and dependable name for 
hundreds of clients. Its yachts generally range from 29 to 62 feet in 
length, and provide customers with semicustom boats of superb quality 
and beautiful woodworking. A testament to the Morris's remarkable 
craftsmanship, there are presently over 269 Morris Yachts sailing all 
over the world. Morris Yachts also has a connection to Hollywood, as 
its Pemaquid Friendship sloop was utilized as a prop in the popular 
film ``The Truman Show.''
  Most recently, Morris Yachts has been asked to build four 44-foot 
sailing vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for use in training 
programs. With this new contract, Morris Yachts will be able to hire up 
to 20 employees, including mechanics, electricians, carpenters, and 
composite craftspeople this fall to work on the Coast Guard project, 
bringing the total number of Morris employees close to 100. While the 
initial contract asks for four boats, the Coast Guard Academy hopes to 
potentially double its order.
  Not only does the company provide a valuable service to its local 
community, but with this contract, Morris Yachts will be able to serve 
the entire Nation. Providing ships to the U.S. Coast Guard is a true 
honor, and the firm's critical work will better equip our Nation's 
bravest men and women to protect our shores.
  Despite the difficulty facing countless yacht manufacturers over the 
past year and a half, Morris Yachts has continued to produce sturdy and 
reliable boats. As a result, the company has been nominated for the 
2010 Boat of the Year Award by Cruising World and Sailing World 
magazines. I congratulate everyone at Morris Yachts for this honor and 
look forward to the announcement of the award in January.
  The Morris family story serves as an inspiration to all who pursue 
the American dream. I commend the Morris family for being chosen by our 
Nation's military to build these watercraft and congratulate them for 
their well-deserved accolades. Just as the colonists on the Kennebec 
River did centuries ago, I am certain the Morris family will continue 
the great tradition of Maine shipbuilding as they have for the past 37 
years. Their success is proof that commitment, resolve, and hard work 
still lead to great things.

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