BELFAST – The Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce has selected July 25 as the date for the third annual Belfast Maritime Heritage Festival 2009.

The day will feature the National BoatBuilding Challenge, in which teams of two people race to build a 12-foot-long Monhegan skiff from scratch to finish in less than four hours. There also will be small boats on display built by area craftsmen, hobbyists and professionals alike, along with vendors of nautical goods and services.

The festival is an opportunity for craftspeople to strut their stuff, talk small boats and sell their products. On the water, ComeBoating will hold water events, rows and races. The Penobscot Marine Museum also provides educational programs, references and displays detailing the region’s rich maritime history. The day is filled with music, food and festivities.

The event is free to the public. For information, contact Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce at 338-3310 or e-mail baccchamber@verizon.net.