The Boatbuilding Program Thanks to funding from the Maine Office of Economic and Community Development and the participation of many local volunteers, a highly success youth boatbuilding program was run in Unity from 2007-2009. The students in this program built four shellback dinghies under the instruction of Greg Rossell; local boatbuilder, author, and WoodenBoat School instructor. Students then learned to sail the boats that they had built. Students learned woodworking, attention to detail, pride in craftsmanship, sailing and more. PLUS, they had an introduction into a traditional Maine industry that has lots of opportunity for future growth and employment. The Barn Raisers are exploring options for continuing this program into the future.

The Community Sailing Program Ponder is the Barn Raisers’ Community Sailboat. Ponder is a 23’ 1957 AR True wooden centerboard sailboat that was donated to Unity Barn Raisers and has been restored by community volunteers for this program. Volunteers, lead by Jim Macdonald, continue to do yearly maintanence on Ponder each spring and, in exchange for their efforts, are treated to sails on Unity Pond (Lake Winnecook) throughout the summer. Talk about your community effort. Watch the raising of Ponder's mast below.

Unity Barn Raisers P. O. Box 381, 32 School Street Unity ME 04988 207-948-9005 ubr@unitymaine.org