MBBO is an alliance geared toward unifying Maine's boat building industry and establishing it as a global leader. Industry representatives estimate that it could increase annual Maine boat sales from $650 million to more than $1 billion over the next 10 years.

Cashman said, "This industry has tremendous potential for growth. We've got all the makings of a world-class boat building community -- a long tradition of boat manufacturing, skilled craftspeople, and premium equipment and facilities. This partnership between the state and industry represents a concerted effort to increase our market share.''

MBBO plans to build a unified brand and market Maine built boats to national and international audiences. Initial funding for this effort has been raised by Maine boat builders with additional funding from the state. Other initiatives include partnerships with the state and federal governments to leverage resources and develop a favorable business environment for Maine boat builders, support of industry training, and the development of technologies that enhance product performance.

Stephen Von Vogt of Maine Marine Manufacturing/Hodgdon Yachts said, "The Maine boat building industry incorporates cutting edge composite technology into the production of some of the finest and most sophisticated vessels produced anywhere in the world today. The concentration of composite talent in Maine positions our industry for a dominant role in the boat building industry of the 21st century.

Work on creating the alliance began in February 2004 when Cashman, under the direction of Governor Baldacci, brought together approximately 20 of the state's largest boat builders to encourage them to unite in promoting their product. All members of Maine's boat building community were invited to join the alliance at Friday's launch.

MBBO is structured after New Zealand's Marine Industry Association, which succeeded in growing the country's marine exports from $82 million in 1994 to $389 million in 2003. The concept for a Maine boat building alliance was first presented to Governor Baldacci by local boating writer and author Nigel Calder.

Calder said, "Maine's current situation is very similar to New Zealand's 10 years ago. We have a long tradition of building high-quality boats, and our scenic coastline attracts visitors from around the world. However, our boat building industry lacks the name recognition necessary to compete with industry leaders like Italy, Holland and now New Zealand.''

Work on strengthening the industry has already begun. MBBO is currently working with the University of Maine on developing lighter weight composites for boat building. In addition, the state is in the process of developing new boat building apprenticeship programs at local colleges and universities to support the workforce needs of this growing industry sector.

Nearly 450 companies make up Maine's boat building industry. Maine boat manufacturers create products ranging from luxury yachts to workboats and canoes, and many specialize in the construction of custom-made boats. Businesses handling support functions such as sail making, interior design, and navigational software are also part of the industry.

Maine's shipbuilding history spans nearly 400 years. Well-known vessels built in Maine range from the 1607 Virginia, the first ocean-going ship built by English settlers in North America, to the Scheherazade, the largest sailboat built in the Western Hemisphere in 2003. The Maine-made Antonisa was awarded the title of "Best Sailing Yacht'' by ShowBoats International in 1999.

MBBO is a division of the Maine Marine Trade Association. For more information, call 773-8725 or e-mail mbbo@mmtaonline.com.