On May 7, 1914, the 94-foot classic yacht Sumurun launched its career as private luxury racing yacht. Designed and built by the famed William Fife and son’s yard in Fairlie, Scotland, Sumurun was named after a harem girl in a successful English West End play. She was built as a gift from the Baroness Lady Victoria Sackville of Kent for her husband.

Thirty years ago Robert Towbin of New York purchased the yacht, and it has served as his personal home, a transatlantic racing vessel, and primarily as a sailing yacht available for charter. On May 24, a centennial celebration will be held at the New York Yacht Club in Newport, R.I.

Twenty-five years ago, Sumurun was brought to Sample’s Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor for refitting, and local businessman Barry Sherman, owner of Barry's Carpet and Installation in Boothbay, was asked to install new carpeting throughout the ship. At the time, Sherman was working on another yacht and couldn’t take the assignment.

In preparation for the Centennial Celebration on May 24 Sumurun is in Camden for maintenance and refitting. Sherman, who has a reputation for superior work on many world class yachts (including the Scheherazade), was hired to replace all carpeting throughout the ship. Luxurious woven carpeting, in Robert Towbin’s Clan’s Tartan, was imported from Scotland. Sherman wrapped up his installation job on May 6, just in time for its departure to Newport.

Sherman, a U.S. Marine Vietnam veteran and American Legion Post 36 member, can be seen each Memorial Day leading the Veteran’s parades on the peninsula as the Drill Sergeant.