CASTINE — Camden National Bank will donate a total of $10,000 over the next two years to Maine Maritime Academy to help maintain, protect, and preserve the historic schooner Bowdoin. The grant will be received by the Bowdoin Centennial Campaign, a fundraising effort to keep the vessel exploring, sailing and training for another 100 years.

The campaign is funding a restoration project which has included the replacement of her 30-year-old deck, stanchions and ceiling timbers, along with several systems upgrades: an engine rebuild; increasing the tank capacities for fuel, fresh water and wastewater;  a new refrigeration system; electrical system, and generator. A new foremast will be installed later this summer. Fundraising efforts are still underway and the goal is to complete the campaign by year’s end.

“We are proud to support the restoration of this historic vessel and preserve her legacy for generations to come,” said Greg Dufour, president and chief executive officer of Camden National Bank, in a news release. “As the official vessel of the state of Maine and the flagship of Maine Maritime Academy, the Bowdoin is a key piece of our heritage and an essential part of both the Academy program and the local community, and we hope to help keep her sailing and providing valuable training for as long as she can.”

Bowdoin serves as the key training ship for Maine Maritime Academy‘s Vessel Operations and Technology (VOT) and Small Vessel Operations (SVO) undergraduate programs, as well as the platform for MMA’s Sail Training Minor. When not in use for training purposes, Bowdoin’s popularity and historical charm keep her calendar brimming with public and private tours, appearances, and excursions. In addition to being designated the Official Vessel of the State of Maine, Bowdoin is also a National Historic Landmark.

The Bowdoin Centennial Campaign Cabinet includes cochairmen Capt. G. Andy Chase and Alexander Watson; Fred Atkins, Capt. Bill Cowan, Cameron G. Brien, Capt. Cate Cronin, Capt. Don Eley, Capt. Dave Fenderson, Capt. Eric Jergenson, Lawrence Kaplan, Matthew P. Murphy, Capt. Alec Schoettle, Capt. John Worth, and Capt. Heather Stone.

Honorary Cabinet Members include former Maine Governor Kenneth Curtis, Dr. Pete Rand, Phineas Sprague Jr., Dr. Ed Morse, G. Baer Connard, Capt. Elliot Rappaport, and Merle Hallett. For more information about the Bowdoin Centennial Campaign, contact Kay Hightower at 207-326-8932 or kay.hightower@mma.edu.