BOOTHBAY HARBOR — Maine Maritime Academy has canceled upcoming visits of the schooner Bowdoin to Portland and Provincetown due to a potential compromise in the vessel's main mast, discovered during a routine rigging check on Monday.

The open boat event in Portland was scheduled for Saturday, June 28 at Portland Yacht Services from 10 a.m. to noon. Open boat events in Provincetown were scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 4-5 at MacMillan Pier in Provincetown Harbor from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The compromise in the main mast was discovered during routine rig inspections and maintenance on Monday, when Captain Eric Jergenson and his crew suspended sailing and contacted Maine Maritime Academy regarding a plan of action. Wednesday morning a shipwright came aboard to conduct an indepth inspection of the mast. With the results of the inspection, and with continued safety in mind, Capt. Jergenson made the decision that Bowdoin will not proceed further from Penobscot Bay. Instead, at the conclusion of the open house and reception to be hosted at Wotton's Wharf in Boothbay Harbor Thursday, June 26, the crew will be looking for a weather window to proceed back to Maine Maritime Academy. Upon return to Castine, the mast will be pulled for further inspection and any needed repairs so the Bowdoin can return to its sailing schedule.

"We are all committed to the highest levels of safety possible," said Capt. Jergenson. He added, "To our friends in Portland, Maine, and in Provincetown, Massachusetts, please accept our apologies. We look forward to re-connecting with all of you, and soon."

The Schooner Bowdoin is a National Historic Landmark and the Official Vessel of the State of Maine.