Master Marine launches the "Golden Sun," its 275 Vessel

Lindy Denham
September 1985

"The Pilgrims who came to America were pioneering people, otherwise they would not have crossed the Atlantic Ocean, especially during the stormy months. They realized that an uncertain destiny lay ahead of them, and that few people had ever safely arrived in the New World, but they started anyway. They overcame by their faith and hope in God. Now in the twentieth century we are still forging ahead, like a boat in rough ocean. The future economy of the world will depend upon the vast resources of the sea. The future will belong to the person who with faith in God pays more attention to the oceans of the world."
Rev. Sun Myung Moon

Mr. Martin Porter speaks at the christening of Master Marine's 275th vessel.

The heart and vision behind these words inspired the creation of Master Marine, Inc., a ship-building company in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, on January 31, 1978.* This year, on May 18, Master Marine marked the gala launching of its 275th ship, the Golden Sun. The Golden Sun introduces an entirely new design to Master Marine's long line of traditional fishing vessels. Unlike most other boats of a similar size, the pilot house is raised above the main deck, which not only affords the pilot greater visibility, but provides a much larger working deck area. This also allows more room below for living quarters, and a larger fish capacity. The 77-foot steel multi-purpose fishing vessel is constructed to American Bureau of Shipping standards, and affords greater stability and maneuverability than similar ships due to its modular design and computerized hull. It can adapt itself to any type of fishery, climate, or ocean conditions in the United States or the world.

The Golden Sun slipped into the waters of the bayou with a brass band rendition of "Anchors Aweigh," a refreshing splash of champagne, and the cheers of nearly 500 guests who attended the ceremony.

Mr. Martin Porter, president of Master Marine, Inc., expressed the spirit of the occasion in his speech:

Built into this vessel, the Golden Sun, is a part of each one of us...from our skilled craftsmen to the engineers, office staff, and those suppliers of the marine industry involved in its outfitting. Master Marine couldn't stand without every other related part in the industry, which is what makes this community continue to survive and grow even through difficult times.

The newly-christened "Golden Sun" plunges into the waters off Bayou La Batre, Alabama.

Dignitaries who joined in the celebration included Congressman H. L. "Sonny" Calahan, who sent his congratulations for our success now and in the future. Alabama Senator Bill Menton applauded the work and commitment of Master Marine for supporting and stimulating the shipbuilding industry. The mayor of Bayou La Batre, Mr. M. G. Temme, awarded Master Marine a certificate of excellence for its outstanding progress and its contribution in providing employment for so many people in the community.

Following the launching, everyone was welcome to board the docked vessel and inspect the new design. The brass band played Dixieland music while a delicious barbecue was served under multi-colored tents set up on the shipyard.

Embarking on its maiden voyage, the Golden Sun joins Master Marine's fleet of commercial shrimp trawlers working in the Gulf Coast.

Just before the ceremony, Mr. Porter spoke to church members and talked about the Golden Sun as our "resurrection boat." He said it was "an offering for the resurrection of our Father and his work throughout the world."

The gala affair was broadcast the following evening on the local Channel 10 news. The newscaster hailed the launching as not only an inspiring event in itself but as a much-needed boost for the entire fishing industry. Appropriately, he entitled that portion of his newscast "New Hope."

Note:

* Master Marine, Inc. is incorporated separately from the church and is a taxpaying business entity.