"Just make it go away," was Harbor Master Terry Stockwell's recommendation to Edgecomb selectmen Jan. 6 about the troublesome sailboat which made its way into local waters in May, and eventually found its way to Woolwich. Selectmen voted, 3-0, to pay King Tide Marine of Bath to dispose of the sailboat now stuck on a Woolwich mud flat.

The sailboat has no ties to Edgecomb or to any resident. In May, town officials discovered the sailboat was registered to a Westport Island man nearly 50 years ago. Selectmen sent a certified letter to his widow, who didn't want anything to do with it, according to selectmen.

Based on Maine Municipal Association advice, Edgecomb took responsibility for disposing of the boat, but a story emerged in which the boat may have been sold once, and maybe twice. So town officials tried unsuccessfully to verify ownership, and later decided to take King Tide's offer.

Prior to their decision, selectmen asked Stockwell for his opinion. "Get rid of it as soon as possible before it sinks or something else happens which becomes a more expensive proposition. Just make it go away," he said.

Selectmen followed Stockwell's advice and agreed to accept King Tide Marine's offer to dispose of the sailboat for $2,400. Stockwell will work with King Tide Marine on the ownership paperwork and bill of sale. The agreement includes a delayed payment for services.

There is no budget for the disposal fee in Edgecomb's Fiscal Year 25 budget. So, King Tide agreed to receive payment in the next fiscal year.

Woolwich selectmen David King Sr. and Jason Shaw attended the meeting. "We thank you for your work. We know how difficult a decision like this can be," said King.

Edgecomb selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the conference room.