Launch of the Vinalhaven ferry Capt. Richard G. Spear

The newest addition to the Maine State Ferry fleet, the Capt. Richard G. Spear  was launched at Washburn & Doughty Shipyard in East Boothbay Friday April 9, 2021. The ship is named after  the first employee and assistant manager of the Maine State Ferry Service in 1959. Spear was subsequently appointed manager of the ferry service, a position he held for 30 years until his retirement in 1989. The ferry, which will service Vinalhaven,  is 154 feel long and 39 feet wide capable of carrying 250 passengers and 23 vehicles.

The video was provided by Ann McClellan who offered this observation:

“I stood on the shore at East Boothbay, noticing familiar faces from Rockland in the crowd. We watched waters churning as the tug pulled hard and steady, finally dragging the Capt. Richard G Spear down the oiled slideway. It was well worth the wait. What a handsome new addition to the State of Maine ferry fleet!”

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