Page 4. MAINE COASTAL NEWS June 2010


Maine Coastal News P.O. Box 710


(207) 223-8846


Winterport, Maine 04496-0710 U.S.A. E-mail - igmatats@aol.com


Web site: www.mainescoast.com Fax (207) 223-9004 Publisher's Note


We all know and have felt the economic downturn over the last several years. Since late winter things have seemed to be a little bit better, but the public lacks the confidence to really spend any extra money. Most of the yards on the coast have enough work, espe- cially the repair yards, to keep them going. It seems that the repair work that has been put off over the last several years has come to the point that it needs to be fixed now. Others have just decided that life is finite and they are not going to wait any longer to enjoy some- thing they love. However, some of the boat builders are getting nervous as the slim back- log dries up.


Maine Coastal News is dedicated to covering the waterfront of State of Maine. It covers commercial fishing, yachting (power and sail), boat yard and waterfront news and maritime history. Maine Coastal News is published 12 times per year. The distribution of Maine Coastal News is from Eastport to Kittery and is free on the newsstand. It also can be by subscription. A year subscription, 12 issues, is $20.00. A single copy is $2.00, which covers the postage. Foreign rates for subscriptions are $40.00 per year. The Maine Coastal News office is located at 966 North Main Street, Winterport, Maine. Comments or additional information write: Maine Coastal News, P.O. Box 710, Winterport,


Maine 04496. Publisher Editor-in-Chief


Jon B. Johansen Rachel Elward


Advertising Deadlines: The deadline for the July issue is 18 June The deadline for the August issue is 16 July.


Many marine businesses have learned the hard way that they needed to market themselves better. Some did not advertise, do boat shows or have a website. In years past the work just walked through the door, but in these times an additional segment of the public needed to be reach to assure that they kept busy. Of course the best way to do this is with a website. Some opted for just the basics, while others spent a lot of money on creating a very high tech and interactive site. A number of today’s potential customers will search the web for what they need and in the case of building a boat, narrow the field down and then come and visit them at the shop. What is amazing is the companies that make decisions that ultimately cost them business. I personally distribute this paper up and down the coast of Maine. Being a free paper we are usually relegated to the bottom self and at times get buried by other free papers. What was interesting is that on my last run I walked into the Shell station on Route 1, operated by C. N. Brown Heating Oil,


in Orland and was informed that they longer accept any free papers. The lady was very nice saying that she lobbied for us, but that it was a corporate decision. Sometimes you wonder about corporate America and really how smart they are. They never understand the ramifications of certain decisions, like this one. First, a number of customers come in to pick up free publications. So, when that cus- tomer realizes they no longer can get this publication at their establishment they go to where they can get it and more than likely switch their business there. Secondly, if the powers to be understood what they actually made on the charged papers they would realize they more than likely lose money by carrying them. Most of these they only realize a few cents and if one walks out the door it takes several just to get back to even. Thirdly, we who published these papers do all we can to patronize the establishments that carry our publication. I spend about $7,000 a year in fuel and then if you consider the daily Pepsi Max and other snacks to stay awake on the road, you are talking about one of your best customers. Yes we do spread it out, but still, we make a difference. Well, for those at C. N. Brown you really do not live up to your motto, “We’re Not Just Fueling! We Appreciate Your Business.” Well, my business just went somewhere else.


It is all about marketing and something I need to do better. The other problem for pub- lications is the end of print media in sight? Maybe not the near future, but one can see the slow decline and tosome, a real sad state of affairs. Hopefully future generations find a balance and keep print media and books with real pages alive.


MCN's Calendar of Coastal Events


MAY 23 Free Sailing & Open House 10-3 pm, rain or shine


Free sailboat rides in Portland Harbor, shore-side boat rigging, knot tying demonstrations and new this year - a marine yard sale, are among the fun activities. Come learn what this nonprofit community sailing center is all about. Adults, teens and kids (age 8 & up) are welcome. SailMaine will provide life jackets, but if you have one feel free to bring it along and your wind pants too! Portland Yacht Services Portland


Info: www.sailmaine.org or (207) 650-2085.


JUNE 5 SailMaine Regatta Portland Yacht Services Portland


Info: www.sailmaine.org or (207) 650-2085.


5 IYRS Graduation and Launch Day IYRS Restoration Hall 449 Thames Street Newport, RI


Info: www.iyrs.org 11 MDI Series I


9-10 Commercial Marine EXPO New Bedford State Pier New Bedford, MA Info: (207) 799-1356


12 Centreboard Regatta Centreboard Yacht Club South Portland


19 Maine Lobster Boat Race Boothbay Harbor Info: (207) 380-5295


Mount Desert Island


17-18 Hospice Regatta/MDI Series II Southwest Harbor


17-18 Boothbay Harbor Regatta Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club Boothbay Harbor


24 Maine Lobster Boat Race Friendship


Info: (207) 832-7807


14 Maine Lobster Boat Race Winter Harbor Info: (207) 963-7139


14-15 Smuttynose Island Regatta Piscataqua Sailing Association Portsmouth, NH


SEPTEMBER 10-12 Eastport Pirate Festival Eastport


Info: (800) 691-8182


16-19 Newport International Boat Show Newport, RI


13-15 Downeast Race Week 19-20 Pilot Race


Portland Yacht Club Falmouth


20 Maine Lobster Boat Race Rockland


Info: (207) 354-8763


25-27 WoodenBoat Show Mystic Seaport Mystic, CT


26 Harraseeket Regatta Harraseeket Yacht Club South Freeport


JULY 3 Maine Lobster Boat Race Moosebec Reach Beals Island/Jonesport Info: (207) 598-6681


10 Maine Lobster Boat Race Searsport


Info: (207) 548-6362


11 Maine Lobster Boat Race Stonington


Info: (207) 348-2375


25 Maine Lobster Boat Race Harpswell


Info: (207) 725-2567 25 MDI Series III Mount Desert Island


31-Aug 1 Penobscot Bay Regatta Camden Yacht Club Camden


AUGUST 1 Tom Morris Memorial Pursuit Race MDI Community Sailing Centre Southwest Harbor


8 MDI Series IV Mount Desert Island


12-15 Monhegan Regatta Portland Yacht Club Falmouth


21 MS Regatta MS Society Portland


21-22 Salem Antique Boat Show Salem, MA


22 Tug Boat Muster MS Society Portland


22 Maine Lobster Boat Race MS Society Portland


Info: (207) 799-6718


27-29 PHRF New Englands Marblehead, MA


27-28 Northeast Harbor Race Northeast Harbor Fleet


24-25 Seguin Island Trophy Race Southport Island Yacht Club Boothbay Region Boatyard Southport Island


24-25 Downeast Challenge Race


19-22 Harborfest MS Society Portland


15 Maine Lobster Boat Race Merritt Bracket Lobster Boat Races Pemaquid


Info: D. Drisko (207) 677-2432 L. Crane (207) 563-8707


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