2013 Maine Lobster Boat Races

[F/V First Team]

Information for those planning on attending, participating or just keeping an interest

Race Locations:

Boothbay Harbor
Rockland
Bass Harbor
Long Island
Moosabec Reach
Searsport
Stonington
Friendship
Harpswell
Winter Harbor
Pemaquid
Portland
Eastport

 

[F/V First Team]

Race Dates

June

15​

Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races
Boothbay Harbor
Info: Ashlee Lowery (207) 633-3915

16
​

Rockland Lobster Boat Races
O’Hara’s North Facility
Rockland
Info: Steve Brooks, (207) 354-8763

22
​

Bass Harbor Lobster Boat Races
Bass Harbor
Info: Wayne/Colyn Rich (207) 244-9623

29​

Moosebec Reach Lobster Boat Races
U. S. Coast Guard Station
Jonesport
Info: E. Blackwood (207) 598-6681

30
Long Island Anniversary Party
Long Island
Info:
Lisa Kimball 322-3968
Amy Tierney 317-1576

July

13
Searsport Lobster Boat Races
Searsport Town Dock
Searsport
Info: Keith & Travis Otis (207) 548-6362

14
Stonington Lobster Boat Races
Town Dock
Stonington
Info: Nick Wiberg, (207) 348-2375

20
Friendship Lobster Boat Races
Barge in the middle of harbor
Friendship
Info: Wes Lash, (207) 832-7807

28
Harpswell Lobster Boat Races
Barge off Mitchell Field
Harpswell
Info: Henry Barnes, (207) 725-2567

August

10
Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races
Town Dock
Winter Harbor
Info: Chris Byers, (207) 963-7139

11
Merritt Brackett Lobster Boat Races
State Park Restaurant
Pemaquid
Info: Don Drisko & Laurie Crane (207) 677-2432

18
MS Harborfest Lobster Boat Races
Portland Yacht Services
Portland
Info: Jon Johansen (207) 223-8846

September

<strike>8
Pirate Festival
Lobster Boat Race
Eastport </strike>

Eastport Races have been CANCELED!!!

October

12
Awards Banquet
Fisherman's Friend Restaurant
Stonington

 

[WoundUpMarine]

UGH killer!!!! ill be at work for the boothbay races, but ill still have at least one, and probably 2 moorings for use. I will be home for the searsport, harpswell, and portland races. Travis ill get with you in the spring about anything you need in boothbay.

 

[F/V First Team]

Points Races and where to view

Boothbay Harbor - Points Race - Best viewed via boat - First race of the season, everyone gets to see who has done what over the winter, old rivalries are revitalized - first half of a double header weekend - Access through Brown's Wharf or the co-op, there is a ramp somewhere - Awards are held in various places in town.

Rockland - Points Race - Rockland Breakwater if you're a land lubber - One of the best attended races, lots of prizes bring the local boys out and the big boats from the islands - bring an anchor because chances are you will be rafted up with others having a party - second half of a double header weekend - Access through O'Hara's North facility (including ramp for those of you with trailers) - Awards held at O'Hara's North.

Bass Harbor - Non-points Race - Best viewed via boat - Started last year this race is strictly for fun, wasn't even an entry fee - Blessing of the fleet takes place after the awards for the races. (it's actually in Bernard, but we won't talk about that) - Access is through the fisherman's pier, however space is limited so bring an anchor and possibly a skiff, there are open lobster floats to tie up to in the harbor. I think there's a ramp on the Bernard side, I was distracted by a tall brunette so I really don't remember. Awards are at the Fisherman's Pier following the race, blessing of the fleet is afterwards.

Moosabec Reach - Points Race - Beals Island Bridge if you're a land lubber - The bridge used to be the finish line, but after a boat found one of the piling supports that ended that. Not uncommon for boats to pass under the bridge now though. - Access is through the town dock up behind the breakwater in Jonesport as well as the co-op near the bridge - bring an anchor and boat-pool in to go ashore after the races, awards are held at the Coast Guard station.

Long Island - Non-points-race - Best viewed by boat. Race is for the anniversary of Long Island becoming it's very own town. More information as I come by it. Sounds like there are a few moorings that could/might be available, dockage is very limited due to condos being where docks used to be.

Searsport - Points Race - Mosman Park or the town landing if you're a land lubber - First half of a double header weekend - Come buy a t-shirt or two (I work really hard on them, come support my race!) Access is through the town wharf, including ramp. Trailer parking is limited at the wharf but trailers and additional vehicles can be parked at Otis Enterprises Marine. Awards are held at the wharf following the races. Come buy some t-shirts!

Stonington - Points Race - Best viewed via boat - Second half of a double header weekend - Access is through the fisherman's pier, there is a ramp there, but used primarily for skiffs, there is a better ramp down winding roads at Billing's and another one a friend found and used, but I have no idea where it is. Awards are held at the pier after the races. Bring a GOOD anchor and watch out for the traps when you set it. Get there early to have breakfast and later in the day crab rolls at the odd fellows hall

Friendship - Points Race - Bring a boat - First half of a double header weekend - A ramp is available, it has gained the name "the ramp from HELL" so it might be prudent to bring someone along to lend a hand, access is from... anywhere you can find. Awards are done after the individual classes, the vessels just stop by the judge float and pick up their prize then motor away. Bring an anchor, if you can find a free lobster float, tie up to it.

Harpswell - Points Race - No dock at this venue, best to bring a boat but there is Mitchell Field if you're a land lubber - Second half of a double header weekend - Remember that good anchor from Stonington? Well I hope you brought it here too, primarily sand bottom, hard to grab with your mud/rock anchor. Fireworks the night before at the carnival but no way to get ashore unless you bring a skiff. Awards are done after the individual classes, stop by the judges float and pick up the prize and you're done. Ramp is located on the other side of the peninsula at Dolphin Marina, I do not know how much they charge for it, dockage space is available there the night before, they wanted 20 bucks a foot last year, so that didn't happen.

Winter Harbor - Points Race - Best viewed via boat - Access is through the commercial dock, ramp is available on the other side of the harbor. - First half of a double header weekend (you need to haul ass to get to the second half before dark) - Awards are at the commercial dock after the races, fisherman's festival takes place during the day and there is a cod fish thing before the awards, usually good food to be had.

Pemaquid - Non-points Race - Top of the tower at Pemaquid Colonial Park if you're a land lubber - Second half of a double header weekend, fireworks in the cove the night before. - Bring your anchor, access is through the Pemaquid Colonial Park, there IS a ramp, and if it's low tide then you are in for a treat! I hope you brought some stout rope so you can back everything into the water on this very gradual slope. Dock space is at a premium after the race so it's probably best to catch a ride in and let everything sit on a couple of good anchors rafted up. Drinking is possible on the dock for the awards, just do it behind the ropes - they're serious about that. Pemaquid runs their own classifications on the boats, gives races the chance to go up against people they normally wouldn't. Sometimes that's good, sometimes not, but ALWAYS a good time. Full bar at the Contended Sole where the awards are done. Fireworks the night before, a little fair going on as well during the day. Fruit smoothies were awesome, and back on the boat they were doctored up a little bit for some of the crew.

Portland - Points Race - Fort Allen Park if you're a land lubber - Part of the MS Regatta (those boring sailboats do their thing the day before, so if you're traveling up then be aware, they WILL be in the way) and there is a tug boat muster after the lobster boat races. Access is through Portland Yacht Services, ramp is located there as well. Dockage is available the night before, bring a good anchor for the race. Awards are held at PYS afterwards and they have a cookout for attendees.

Eastport - Non-points Race - Breakwater if you're a land lubber. - It's Eastport, you're on your own. There is a ramp, hope for high tide to use it. Things are cramped on the interior of the breakwater. Bring your best pirate costume (if you don't though, you can buy them in town). Don't park where the big sailboat wants to be, they will move your boat to a very difficult spot to get out of. First hand experience right there, they should have left a buoy in their space so that it was reserved.

 

[BillD]

Trailering

If I trailer up the inflatable to Portland,,,,,,,
will there be a toll booth line (cash/change lane) for getting in and out of the water ???

I may be boatless buy late summer looking for a day trip and I'd like to see 1st hand what the "draw is" for lobsta boat races ????

Easy for me to "raft up" too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[El Mar]

Yeah ditto.

Where can we launch little boats??

Bill, I'll road trip up there with you. Map quest says 4 hours for me.

 

[F/V First Team]

except for harpswell there is a launch ramp at each location. long island is an island so you had best put in at portland and motor over. as for harpswell, its just a wee boat ride to the fuel docks where the races are, a few choices where to put in, one wants to charge though (we dont go there because of it, really good business plan there)

 

[MouseTrap]

Portland has a boat ramp within a stone's throw of the course, at East End Beach.

 

[BillD]

Yeah ditto.

Where can we launch little boats??

Bill, I'll road trip up there with you. Map quest says 4 hours for me.

Not that long a ride. Portland is 55-60 mins from my house.
I made it to Todd's boat in 2:15 mins

 

[El Mar]

Even better.

 

[WoundUpMarine]

there is also a boat ramp over behind hamiltons by portland yacht services, not sure if its free or not but i threw my 8 ft inflatable in one year to go meet up with some boats that were rafted up, no one said anything to me

 

[BillD]

Even better.

Then again I wasn't towin a rig !!!!!

 

[El Mar]

I won't tow the Parker. To heavy.

I'll take my 15 whaler. Tows easy and I just put a new axel on it last year.

 

[F/V First Team]

[FONT=&quot]Maine Lobster Boat Racing Association Classes:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]WORK BOATS UNDER 24 FEET[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]Race 1 - CLASS A Skiffs 16-feet and under with outboards up to 30 hp, Operator 18 years and younger: [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 2 – CLASS B Inboards, outboards or outdrives, 31 to 90 hp:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 3 – CLASS C Inboards, outboards or outdrives, 91 hp and up:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]GAS POWERED WORK BOATS 24 FEET AND UP[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]Race 4 – Gasoline Class A – 4 & 6 cylinder 24 feet and over:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 5 - Gasoline Class B - V-8 up to 375 cid, 24 feet and up:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 6 - Gasoline Class C, V8, 376 to 502 cid, 28 feet and over:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 7 - Gasoline Class D, V8, Over 502 cid, 28 feet and over:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]DIESEL POWERED WORK BOATS 24 FEET AND UP[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]Race 8 - Diesel Class A - Up to 235 hp, 24 to 31 feet: [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 9 - Diesel Class B - Up to 235 hp, 32 feet and over:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 10 - Diesel Class C - 236 to 335 hp, 24 to 33 feet:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 11 - Diesel Class D - 236 to 335 hp, 34 feet and over:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 12 - Diesel Class E - 336 to 435 hp, 24 to 33 feet:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 13 - Diesel Class F - 336 to 435 hp, 34 feet and over:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 14 - Diesel Class G - 436 to 550 hp, 28 to 35 feet:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 15 - Diesel Class H - 436 to 550 hp, 36 feet and over:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 16 - Diesel Class I - 551 to 700 hp, 28 to 35 feet: [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 17 – Diesel Class J – 551 to 700 hp, 36 feet and over:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 18 - Diesel Class K - 701 to 900 hp, 28 feet and over:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 19 - Diesel Class L - 901 hp and over, 28 feet and over: [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 20 - Diesel Class M, 40 feet and over, up to 750 hp.:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 21 - Diesel Class N, 40 feet and over, 750 hp and over:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Race 22 – Woodenboat: Vessel must be made of wood, not glassed over - exception being hauling side area and band around waterline for ice prevention
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 23 - Gasoline Free for All: Must have placed 1st or 2nd in Gasoline class to qualify
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 24 - Diesel Free for All: Must have placed 1st or 2nd in Diesel class to qualify
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Race 25 - Fastest Lobster Boat: Must have placed 1st or 2nd in Gas/Diesel Free for All to qualify

[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Maine Lobster Boat Racing Association[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]Rules[/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]START: You should be in the “START AREA†two races before yours. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]For the start, entrants should be at idle and line up with the “START BOATâ€, increase speed with the “START BOAT†who will drop the flag when the entrant’s bows are line up with them.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]FALSE START: The “STARTER†will circle the flag over his head and the “START BOAT†captain will call “FALSE START†on the radio. Boats will return to the “START AREA†and try again.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Two “FALSE STARTS†by the same boat means disqualification. No “SAND BAGGING†will be tolerated.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The following Rules are guidelines and may be changed at the discretion of the Oversight Committee.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Hull type must be conventional “LOBSTER BOAT†design with single screw.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Any type of material construction is permitted: wood, fiberglass, aluminum, etc.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]3) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]All boats must be powered with an inboard engine with full keel and skeg. Exception: Work Boat Classes under 24 feet in length.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]4) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]No SPADE RUDDERS or SURFACE DRIVES. Trim tabs are not to be used and must be in the neutral position during a race.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]5) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Spray rails, lifting strakes and rolling chocks are allowed.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]6) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]All floorboards, deck hatches and bulkhead panels must be on board or in place.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]7) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Transducers, keel pipes, scanner tubes, cages, etc, may be removed.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]8) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Only one window may be open (NOT REMOVED) while racing.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]9) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]ALL BOATS[/FONT][FONT=&quot] must have a minimum of two crewmembers on board, including the skipper.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]10) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Boats must be operated from the main bulkhead steering station.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]11) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Davits and snatch blocks need not be in place, but must be on board.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]12) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Boats must be fully equipped with all required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]13) [/FONT][FONT=&quot] Life jackets or vests must be worn by all crew members while racing.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]14) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]All boats must be equipped with a hauler and be able to haul.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]15) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Fuel shall be pump type, with NO NITROUS OXIDE OR PROPANE SYSTEMS.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]16) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]ALL BOATS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A THROTTLE DOWN DEVICE OR KILL SWITCH.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]17) [/FONT][FONT=&quot]UNSPORTSMAN LIKE CONDUCT [/FONT][FONT=&quot]as judged by the Race Committee could result in disqualification[/FONT]

 

[F/V First Team]

Will be updated when I get the information for the class changes for gasoline boats larger than 24 feet

 

[Robert M]

If I trailer up the inflatable to Portland,,,,,,,
will there be a toll booth line (cash/change lane) for getting in and out of the water ???

I may be boatless buy late summer looking for a day trip and I'd like to see 1st hand what the "draw is" for lobsta boat races ????

Easy for me to "raft up" too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meet me in Gloucester and will make a trip out of it, always told myself I was gonna get to one of these races one day.

 

[El Mar]

Travis - What's a rolling chock??

 

[F/V First Team]

basically a lifting rail at the widest point below the surface of the water to help limit rolling.

 

[Mike28]

I will bum a ride with Bryan, id like to check this out.

 

[F/V First Team]

For all of you Facebook Aficionados

Boothbay
Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Rockland
Rockland Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Bass Harbor
Bass Harbor Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Moosabec Reach
http://www.facebook.com/events/492033690858063/?ref=2#

Long Island
Long Island Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Searsport
Searsport Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Stonington
Stonington Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Friendship
Friendship Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Harpswell
Harpswell Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Winter Harbor
Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Pemaquid
Pemaquid Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Portland
Portland Lobster Boat Races | Facebook

Eastport
Eastport Lobster Boat Races | Facebook