Gov. John Baldacci joined representatives from Sabre Yachts last Friday to launch a new luxury motoryacht, the Sabre 52 Salon Express, and celebrate the boat builder’s ongoing expansion into the global boat building market.

The boat was unveiled at a private showing at DiMillo’s Old Port Marina in Portland and coincided with last weekend’s Maine Boatbuilders Show.

“Maine’s boat builders are setting new standards in quality and pushing boat building standards on an international level,” said Baldacci. “Sabre is meeting industry demands and staying competitive in the global economy.”

The Sabre 52 Salon Express sets a new level in size and sophistication for the South Casco-based company and features many exceptional design features such as a large sunroof over the main salon and hull portlights, which provide an abundance of natural light to the yacht’s cherry interior.

In recent sea trials, elow sound levels of 72 decibels were recorded at cruise speeds, which will provide a quiet ride for owners.

Sabre, a member of Maine Built Boats, designed the new motoryacht to meet dealer and customer demands. Sabre considers the boat as a new company standard in boat building that will take the business to the next level in the global market.

“Maine’s boat builders have the skills and the fortitude to keep Maine’s 400-year-old traditional industry at the forefront of the international market,” said John Richardson, commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). “We will continue to support Maine’s marine-based industries and the more than 2,500 quality jobs they provide for our work force.”

To view the new Sabre 52 Salon Express, visit www.sabreyachts.com.