HARPSWELL

Bowdoin College has announced the construction of a new boathouse for the school’s sailing team at the Coastal Studies Center on Orr’s Island.

Already under way, the project should be completed in time for the spring sailing season, according to a news release from the college.

“We are excited to be moving forward with a wonderful new facility for our sailing program,” Director of Athletics Tim Ryan said. “Our facility will provide significantly improved locker room, meeting and storage space for our team, while also serving as a classroom for students conducting research at our Coastal Studies Center.”

The facility will reuse existing docks from the Bethel Point Sailing Center and relocate them to an enhanced 1,500-square-foot facility that will feature meeting space, a coach’s office, changing rooms, new restrooms and showers, and a deck, the college said.

The existing 155-foot pier at the Coastal Studies Center will be available for spectators but will now include a new takeoff landing, an 80- foot Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible gangway connecting the pier to the float system, berthing for two support boats, two moorings and dry storage for 24 boats.

The project presents “a tremendous opportunity for the team,” head sailing coach Frank Pizzo said. “The sailing conditions are as good, or slightly better, than Bethel Point. The boathouse will provide great functional space for the team. … The separate locker rooms will give the team the space they need to be prepared for practice, while the pier and docks will provide a great platform for hosting regattas and should offer good spectating.

“We are so grateful for this opportunity and we’re looking forward to moving into our new home.”

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