MK V.1 The 80-foot MK V.1 (MAKO) is receiving its final parts at Hodgdon Yachts in East Boothbay before its launch on Friday Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. (Photo John Edwards)

New composite material, carbon/Kevlar and advanced construction techniques combine with Maine's yacht building tradition, engineering expertise, and University Research and Development

Maine Marine Manufacturing LLC of Portland, together with Hodgdon Yachts and the University of Maine is pleased to announce the launch of the new patrol craft, MK V.1 at 10 a.m., Friday, January 11 at Hodgdon Yachts, 14 School Street in East Boothbay.

The 82-foot craft, developed for the Office of Naval Research and the Special Operations Command, utilizes advanced carbon/Kev-lar/epoxy composite materials, and state-of-the-art resin-infusion man-ufacturing. The intent of the MK V.1 program is to produce a boat that can operate in rough seas while minimizing the vertical acceleration, or "slamming" felt by Special Operations crews when the boat hits a wave. The MK V.1 hull and deck are constructed from impact-absorbent composite materials that were specially engineered and extensively tested at the University of Maine's AEWC Center composites laboratory.

"The MK V.1 should offer Special Operations Forces a more stable ride with the potential for fewer injuries to the troops it carries than patrol craft currently in use. The U.S. Navy will soon conduct extensive field testing to confirm the laboratory test results," said Maine Marine Manufacturing CEO David Packhem.

The MK V.1 launch is the latest outcome of a successful alliance between Hodgdon Yachts and the University of Maine that began in 2003. This alliance combines the craftsmanship of Maine's skilled boat builders from Hodgdon Yachts, with the innovation and research capacity at the University of Maine's AEWC Center to produce a new generation of naval vessel.

Scheduled speakers at the launch include Senator Susan Collins, Representative Tom Allen, Dept. of Economic and Community Development Commissioner John Richardson, University of Maine President Robert Kennedy, Dr. John Pazik from the Office of Naval Research and Hodgdon Yacht president Tim Hodgdon.