9/16/2009 8:49:00 AM Cielo Mare: Second-largest sport-fish boat in U.S. to be launched Saturday by Townsend Bay Marine
The Cielo Mare, a 127-foot sport-fish boat, is the largest custom-built boat built in Port Townsend since the Evviva was completed in 1993. She is scheduled to launch about 2 p.m. Saturday. Photos by Melanie Lockhart
Local subcontractors and suppliers that contributed to Cielo Mare, as provided by Townsend Bay Marine:
A+ Equipment Rental
Admiral Ship Supply
Badd Habit
Berryhill Software
Blue Moose Café
Burbank Limestone
Carl's Lumber
Central Welding
DM Disposal Co.
The Drawing Board
Durante Interior
Edensaw Woods
Fisheries Supply
Frontier Bank
Groves Glass
Hadlock Building Supply
Hanson Electric
Henery Hardware
J&S Machine
Janicki Machine Design
Julian Arthur Crane Service
Kitsap Powder Coating
Millican Crane Service
Monroe House Movers
Pettit Oil Co.
Port of Port Townsend
ProNautics Interiors
PT Brewery
PT Foundry
Quality Encounters
Romark Corp.
United Rentals
Bristol Marine Fabrication: Alan Phillips
DesignKraft: Les Schnick
Fine Yacht Interiors: Gwendolyn Tracy
Gillespie Enterprises: Tom Gillespie
Mark Miller
Meridian Stainless: Tim Uecker
North Winds: Peter Kopetski
Jerry & Rayetta Perrett
Pete's Marine Services: Peter Chaffee
PT Shipwrights Co-op: Jim Lyons
Grant Seran
Taniguchi Woodworking: Glenn Taniguchi
Wagner Marine Service: Paul Wagner
By Melanie Lockhart of The Leader
Thirty-eight months of intensive work at Townsend Bay Marine culminates this Saturday with the launch of the country's second-largest sport fish vessel.
The 127-foot Cielo Mare, set to launch at the Port of Port Townsend Boat Haven on Sept. 19, is the largest custom boat built in Port Townsend since the 162-foot mega-yacht Evviva was completed by Admiral Marine in 1993.
One of the world's largest vessels of its kind, Cielo Mare is likely to receive plenty of attention once it hits the water. But so far, the vessel has remained primarily hidden from the public eye.
"When this rolls out, there will be quite a few people surprised," said Paul Zeusche, chief executive officer of Townsend Bay Marine.
Publicity for the project has been almost non-existent, save for the nomination to include Cielo Mare in this year's super-yacht judging. The secrecy wasn't intentional, however. The buildings at Townsend Bay Marine stay closed during projects to limit environmental impacts. Cielo Mare was outside the facility "for literally an hour" to turn it around after the hull was complete, Zeusche said. Aside from that, doors were open for only a few hours over the course of the project.
"The public hasn't really had a chance to know what is going on," Zeusche said.
Cielo Mare will be in full view all day Saturday. It will be hoisted in the Travelift slings after 8 a.m., though some out-of-water work will take place prior to the actual launch. While no exact time can be given, Zeusche and port staff said the boat would splash around 2 p.m.
"This is exactly why that shipyard was built and the heavy lift was completed a decade ago - so that businesses like Townsend Bay can benefit from larger projects that may not have come to Port Townsend otherwise," said Port Executive Director Larry Crockett.
Local impact
The completion of Cielo Mare or any other large marine trades project involves more than just the owners and main contractors - it encompasses work throughout the community.
From the lumber, paint and electric wiring to the window glass, fishing supplies and custom equipment, the vessel couldn't be more born and bred in Jefferson County.
"This is a community event that we should all revel in," Crockett said.
Zeusche produced a list of 45 businesses and individuals that contributed to the project (see sidebar).
"With projects, especially this size, we can never do it all ourselves," Zeusche said. "We tried to include as much of the local talent as possible."
[For the rest of the story, read our Sept. 16 print edition or e-edition]
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