NORTHEAST HARBOR — Join Maine Seacoast Mission this summer and tour the Mission’s 74-foot service boat, Sunbeam, this summer. Each Friday from July 5 to August 28, at 1 p.m., the public is welcome aboard the boat in Northeast Harbor marina. Visitors will learn about the organization’s history and its programming on unbridged islands and in the Downeast region.

The Mission’s first boat, Hope, was launched in 1905 and ever since, the Mission has offered services to residents of coastal Maine. The Sunbeam regularly visits six unbridged islands offering both outreach and medical services and provides support to residents of all of Maine’s 15 unbridged islands with a year-round population. Sunbeam V has been in service since 1995 and received a total refit in 2020. During the tour, attendees will glimpse Sunbeam’s inner workings, learn the Mission’s history of service, and understand what is needed to provide year-round services to island communities.

“The Sunbeam is recognizable to many,” said Mission President John Zavodny, in a news release. “While she visits with Maine islanders often, we’re excited to welcome the public aboard to learn more about the essential work that happens aboard the boat.”

These kid-friendly tours are free and open to the public. Each tour lasts 20 minutes. Those interested in attending may sign up at Great Harbor Maritime Museum in Northeast Harbor or contact the Mission at (207) 801-6008 or email events@seacoastmission.org. Please note the town dock and ramp are not accessible to wheelchairs. Visitors should be able to maneuver up and down stairs.

Rooted in a history of compassionate service and mutual trust, Maine Seacoast Mission seeks to strengthen coastal and island communities by educating youth, supporting families, and promoting good health. For more information, please visit https://seacoastmission.org/