Update: Hodgdon Yachts announced Thursday that the vessel launching is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27 at 10:45 a.m. and that the boat is planning to leave for sea trials on Sunday, Sept. 28, weather permitting.

Hodgdon Yachts announced Monday, Sept. 22 the anticipated launch of the 100-foot pre-preg carbon race boat code named NewCubed. Hodgdon Yachts said the vessel is expected to be launched on or about Saturday, Sept. 27.

A variety of factors will affect the launch schedule including weather conditions and final paint detailing.

Hodgdon said the details will be announced on social media outlets including the Hodgdon website, Hodgdon Facebook page and the Boothbay Register online.

Members of the public are invited to view the launching but not from the Hodgdon Shipyard property in East Boothbay.

"Work is actively continuing on several projects at the shipyard which make it almost impossible to accommodate members of the general public on the property," said facilities manager Troy Hodgdon.

Members of the public who wish to view the launch may do so from the public Shipbuilder's Park adjacent to the Hodgdon shipyard. Limited parking is available at the park as well as next to the East Boothbay fire department building.

Those wishing to view the launch from the water are reminded to stay well clear of the launch area before, during and after launching. Mooring or docking at the Hodgdon facility will not be permitted in order to provide the launch crews and build teams unrestricted access. Public boarding of NewCubed will not be permitted at any time.

The NewCubed project is one of the most significant sailboat builds in the USA since Ranger was launched at Bath Iron Works in 1937. Like its predecessor, NewCubed is a marvel of advanced technology and design. The team is expected to rig the boat and perform sea trials in Newport, Rhode Island, before making the voyage aboard ship to Sydney, Australia to compete in the famed Sydney to Hobart race.