The Main(e) Event

Portland has been home for ship captains, seafaring merchants, and sailing enthusiasts for hundreds of years.

Keeping the tradition alive is the Casco Bay High School Sailing program, which is open to 8th grade and high school students in the Portland area. More than 50 students from 11 area high schools become connected to the sea, the incomparable rockbound coast of Maine, and our marine environment and heritage.

Students learn to sail and to compete in regional and even international competitions. One day, perhaps a crew from Portland will compete for the America's Cup. We'll learn all about the various programs offered by SailMaine, a state-wide non-profit organization supporting sailing in Maine at the grassroots and community level. SailMaine offers learn-to-sail programs, education, and competitions for all levels of aspiring sailors.

Jeff Cumming, Sailing Master, and Sarah Helming, Casco Bay High School Sailing Head Coach will be my guests, along with several of their high school student sailors.

We'll also be joined by Captain Mike Siepert, one of the ship pilots who bring those tankers, cargo vessels, and cruise ships into Portland Harbor. A resident of Cape Elizabeth, Mike attended Maine Maritime Academy before going to sea. We'll learn what it takes to pursue a career at sea, and all about life on those big ships that come to Portland from all over the world.

Honoring The Game Award

We'll also be talking with Professor Doug Abrams of the University of Missouri Law School about his Eagles Youth Hockey Club that won a national award for community service. We think every league and team should become involved in some form of community service as part of their youth sporting experience. Doug is a colleague of mine, and the source for our weekly "Headlines From America's Daily Newspapers" segment.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9509.