Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding

Following a dreary, depressing week of cold and rainy “spring” days, Saturday, May 4th dawned clear and bright. Another photo adventure was on tap for today: a trip to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to tour Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS). The FBS shipyard was founded as Bay Shipbuilding in 1968. Acquired by Italian firm Fincantieri in 2008, FBS is the largest shipyard on the Great Lakes.

Shipyard Tour

FBS opens the shipyard facilities to the public only once a year on the first Saturday in May. The tour is sponsored by the Sturgeon Bay Rotary Club and runs as a fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting charitable causes. Today’s tour was the 26th annual event and attracted almost 1,500 guests. A companion tour of CenterPointe Yacht Services in Sturgeon Bay is also offered to those interested in touring that facility.

The following is a collection of photos taken during the shipyard tour.

Door County Maritime Museum

Most of my visits to Sturgeon Bay include a stop at the Door County Maritime Museum. This year was no different. The DCMM offers some great photo opportunities both inside and out. A key attraction is the Great Lakes tug John Purves, which ties up in the ship canal behind the building. Built in 1919, she is celebrating her 100th anniversary this year. No longer active, the John Purves serves as a floating museum.

For the first time this year, a parade float replica of the John Purves tug was on display next to the museum.

Below are photos taken near the DCMM.