Organizers of the 62nd annual Boothbay Harbor Windjammer Days announced that Tim Hodgdon, president and owner of Hodgdon Yachts, has been named Grand Marshal of the Windjammer Days Street Parade, in a nod to this year’s theme, which highlights the legacy of shipbuilding in the region that dates back more than three centuries and the boat builders who carry on this proud tradition today. The parade takes place Wednesday, June 26 at 4 p.m.

Hodgdon Yachts, based in East Boothbay, is America’s oldest family-owned boatyard, founded in 1816, four years before Maine achieved statehood. With roots in building schooners, Hodgdon transitioned to building wooden mine sweepers during World War II.

Tim Hodgdon represents the fifth generation of the family involved in the business. He worked for the company at times while still in high school. After graduating from Wentworth Institute and spending a few years offshore lobstering and sword fishing, he returned to the yard full time in 1984 and became president of the company, shifting the company’s focus to building super yachts. Under Tim’s leadership, Hodgdon built several super yachts up to 154 feet in length. In 2010, to diversify the business and meet a need in the market, Hodgdon built a prototype limousine tender—a way to transport people to mega yachts too large to bring in to dock. Hodgdon has now delivered more than 30 of the vessels. 

“I’m honored to represent the many generations of boat builders who have given the Boothbay Harbor region a reputation for building some of the world’s finest boats,” said Hodgdon. “I was fortunate to learn from many of them early in my career, and I am proud to help carry on the tradition of excellence as we built exciting new vessels using the latest technology.” 

Hodgdon Yachts’ latest endeavor, in collaboration with Maserati and Vita Power, is the all-electric Tridente luxury motorboat, made of carbon fiber and constructed to the highest creative standards by Hodgdon’s talented team in Damariscotta.

To learn more about Tim Hodgdon and his boat building career, and more information about the festival, visit www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org/

Windjammer Days is presented by Friends of Windjammer Days with generous support from sponsors: Pine State Trading, Forj-Tom/Debra Yale, Carousel Marina, Mark/Kathie Eldridge, Shoreline Capital, Ralph Doering Family, Jeff Suyematsu/Elaine Hebert, Down East Magazine, Bangor Savings Bank, Gena Canning, Lafayette Group, Knickerbocker Group, J Edward Knight, Pepsico, Valley Beverage, Bristol Marine, Tindal and Callahan, Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort, First National Bank, Rugged Seas, Windjammer Emporium, Vacasa, Cabbage Island Clambakes, Rick and Carmela Wise; Dix and Nancy Druce: Eric and Susan Rasmuseen; and Alison and Todd Prawer.

About Hodgdon Yachts - Having started over two centuries ago in 1816, Hodgdon is the oldest boat builder in the USA. Still family owned and based in Maine, Hodgdon has built more than 460 vessels and has evolved into a leader in high-quality advanced composite construction. The company’s portfolio includes projects ranging from highly detailed Superyachts with complex interiors, a record breaking pre-preg sailboat, vessels built for the U.S. Navy, high-performance motor yachts, numerous Superyacht tenders, and a fully electric day boat. The company’s divisions include Hodgdon Tenders, building some of the highest quality Superyacht tenders afloat; Hodgdon Yacht Services, offering full-service boatyard services in two locations; and Hodgdon Yachts, specializing in custom sail and power yacht construction. Please visit www.hodgdonyachts.com for more information.