Sean Clemon’s MEAN KATHLEEN [Wayne Beal 36; 700-hp Scania] coming by the committee boat in fourth place in the Diesel Free-for-All.
The top three boats in Race #3 at Pemaquid shows Dave Johnston’s CASCO MISS, David Noyes’ ZIPPAH and Ron Pottle’s DELUSIONAL heading for the finish line.
This was going to be a close finish as the two competitors in Race #12. The win went to Gary Genthner’s LIL’ LISA MARIE with Ari Meehan’s SEMPER FI getting second.
We are now down to three races left, Long Island, Portland, and Winter Harbor. To date, the 2024 lobster boat racing season has been a good one. The weather has been good for the most part, with the exception of Bass Harbor and Winter Harbor. Winter Harbor was forced to cancel due to the forecast of heavy winds and rain. With what was on the line for them they made the right call and they will now be running the races on Sunday 25 August. This should be the most attended event of the year as it is their 60th anniversary and they are celebrating by giving away a Crowley-Beal 33 hull and numerous other prizes. The record for entrants is 140 boats, which happened at Winter Harbor in 2002. There is a good chance they will top that this year.
The last three events of the year hopefully will bring out more competitors, especially the high-end gasoline powered boats. They certainly stole the show at Harpswell as they proved they are the ones that will turn heads. It was Randy Durkee’s BLACK DIAMOND [Holland 32, 672 Chevrolet] and Steve Johnson’s LYNN MARIE [Sisu 26; 632 Chevrolet] who stole the show running about the same speed, in the high 50s. It would be incredible if Shawn Alley’s LITTLE GIRL [28’ Calvin Beal Jr.; Chevy] and Mark Freeman’s FOOLISH PLEASURE [30’ Custom Riley Beal; 800-hp 550 Chevy] came out for the last races. That would certainly be a sight to behold.
FRIENDSHIP
With Boothbay, Rockland, Bass Harbor, Moosabec and Stonington in the books it was now onto Friendship (21 July). The weather forecast was for a great day with bright sunshine and a cool breeze out of the nor’west, which would switch to sou’west mid-day and that is exactly what it did. It was one of the best race days this summer.
Sign-ups were steady and when completed I had 39 boats entered, nine more than last year. When looking at the entrants, where was Shawn Alley’s LITTLE GIRL? At Stonington she developed a cooling issue and apparently was not ready. This was unfortunate as Randy Durkee’s BLACK DIAMOND and Mark Freeman’s FOOLISH PLEASURE were there ready to battle. Another racer that was missing was Jeremy Beal’s MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II [Wayne Beal 32; 1,000-hp Isotta]. She was back in Jonesport with an engine issue, likely a head gasket.
Before the start of the races, REEL CATCH and ELLEN LOUISE ran down the course in memory of the local fishermen who had passed away since last year. One that passed at Friendship last winter and I will always remember was Arnold Benner, who owned the dock right next to the town dock. I enjoyed sitting and talking with him any time I could catch up with him.
There were only nine boats entered in the Work Boat Classes, which was surprising. I expected more. The winner of the first race of the day, Work Boat Class A (Skiffs 16-feet and under with outboards up to 30 hp, Operator 18 years and younger) was Jennifer Noyes in JENILY [Corson 14; 30-hp Johnson] assisted by her brother Jacob. Second over the line was Blake Feltis’ SKID MARK [12’ Carolina Skiff; 30-hp Yamaha]. No one was surprised to see Mason Vintinner’s SCREEN TIME [Corson 16; 90-hp Mercury] come flying across first in the second race (Inboards, outboards or outdrives, 31 to 90 hp). Back a ways was Zack Poland’s WHALER [Boston Whaler 15; 90-hp Yamaha] followed by Blake Feltis’ SHEDDAH [Mitchell Cove 20; 90-hp Yamaha]. Another non-surprise was David Noyes’ ZIPPAH [Corson 17; 150-hp Evinrude] with a speed of 44 mph besting David Johnston’s CASCO MISS [Eastern 22, 250-hp Honda] in Work Boat Class C (Inboards, outboards or outdrives, 91 hp and up).
There were no entrants in Gasoline Classes A (4 & 6 cylinder 24 feet and over) and B (V-8 up to 375 ci, 24 feet and up) and only one in each of the other three classes so they were run down together. BLACK DIAMOND, FOOLISH PLEASURE, and Jim Koehling’s BROWN EYED GIRL [Duffy 26; 454-hp Chevrolet] were on the line and when the flag dropped one could certainly hear the big gas engines blasting their way to the finish. Leading the way was FOOLISH PLEASURE followed by BROWN EYED GIRL as they finished one-two. BLACK DIAMOND had suffered an issue and would come across the line at half throttle. Later we would learn that she had had an alcohol fire but was quickly put out. So, BROWN EYED GIRL won Gasoline Class C (V-8, 376 to 525cid, 24 to 29 feet), FOOLISH PLEASURE Gasoline Class D (V-8, 376 and over, 28 feet and over) and BLACK DIAMOND Gasoline Class E (V-8, Over 525 ci, 28 feet and over, superchargers/Turbos).
It was now onto the Diesel Classes and there were no entrants in Classes A (Up to 235 hp, 24 to 31 feet), D (236 to 335 hp, 34 feet and over), L (901 hp and over, 28 feet and over) and O (Non-working boats, any length, any horsepower). There were also a number of classes that had just one boat entered so they were combined with another race and given first in their respective class.
The first race in the Diesel Classes was a combination of Classes B (Up to 235 hp, 32 feet and over) and C (236 to 335 hp, 24 to 34 feet). The winner of Class B was Cole Poland’s C-GIRL [Flower’s 33, 200-hp John Deere] and the winner of Class C was Mike Gillespie’s LEAH MORGAN [Stanley 28; 265-hp Cummins]. Classes E (336 to 435 hp, 34 feet and over) and F (336 to 435 hp, 34 feet and over) were combined as there was just one entrant in Class F, Winfred Alley’s FAITH MELLE [Libby 34; 425-hp Cummins]. This was going to be a good race between Randy Durkee’s AUDREY MAY [Holland 32; 425-hp Cummins] and FAITH MELLE. As they made their way to the finish line FAITH MELLE started gaining separation and got the win. AUDREY MAY still won Class E with Jake Dugas’ GUILTY PLEASURE [Mitchell Cove 32; 380-hp Cummins] second. Four boats were on the line for Class G (436 to 550 hp, 28 to 35 feet). The boat to beat in this class has been Jeremy Beal’s MY TURN [Wayne Beal 32; 500-hp Cummins] and today was no different. At the drop of the flag MY TURN led the way followed by Ari Meehan’s SEMPER FI [Crowley Beal 28; 500-hp Cummins] from Yarmouth. Third went to David Osgood’s SPLIT SECOND [Crowley Beal 33; 550-hp D-8 Volvo]. There was just one boat, Myron Wotton’s SINISTER [Holland 38; 500-hp Caterpillar], in Class H (436 to 550 hp, 36 feet and over) and one in Class J (551 to 700 hp, 36 feet and over), Sean Clemons’ MEAN KATHLEEN [Wayne Beal 36; 700-hp Scania] so they were combined with the two entrants in Class I (551 to 700 hp, 28 to 35 feet). In Class I it was going to be a battle between two old adversaries, Chris Smith’s MISTY [Crowley Beal 33; 650 hp Scania], and Gary Genthner’s LIL’ LISA MARIE [Mussel Ridge 28; 600-hp FPT]. The win went to LIL’ LISA MARIE with a speed of 41 mph. Four boats came to the line for Class K (701 to 900 hp, 28 feet and over) and it was not surprising to see Andrew Taylor’s BLUE EYED GIRL [Morgan Bay 38, 900-hp Scania] from Southport leading the way to the finish. Right on his stern was Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] followed by Steven Osgood’s SHOOTIN’ STAR [Northern Bay 36; 750-hp John Deere]. There were two boats in the line for Class M(A) (40 feet and over, up to 500 hp) and it was Richard Hilding’s SEA BREEZE [Osmond 40; 500-hp Cummins] sliding over the finish line in first place. Second went to Richard Curtis’ HARVEST MOON [RP 40; 500-hp Hyundai]. Two boats were on the line for Class M(B) (40 feet and over, 501 to 750 hp) and the winner was Matt Shepard’s ALEXSA ROSE [Morgan Bay 43; 750-hp John Deere] with a speed of 30 mph. The second-place boat was Ryan Maloney’s HANNAH LYNN [Osmond 40; 575-hp Scania]. One of the best battles last year and this year was between Dana Beal’s NATALIE E. [Libby 41; 1,000-hp FPT] and Ryan Lemieux’s OBSESSION [Young Brothers 40; 1,000-hp Caterpillar] in Diesel Class N(A) (40 feet and over; 751 to 1,000 hp). As they headed up the course it was close, but as they neared the finish it was obvious that OBSESSION had gained separation and slid over the line first by two boat lengths. Third went to Frank Guptill’s TAYLOR NICOLE [Calvin Beal 44; 1000-hp Caterpillar]. In Class N(B) (40 feet and over; 751 to 1,000 hp) first over the line was Keith Simmons’ ISAAC & COLBY [Wayne Beal 46, 1,400-hp MAN], but since she was not registered, she was not given the win. The win went to his brother, Andrew Simmons’ CARSON EMMA [Wayne Beal 46, 1400-hp MAN] followed by Tom Clemons’ 4 LADIES [Wesmac SW46; 1,000-hp Caterpillar].
There were no entrants in the Wooden Boat Races, so it was onto the Gasoline Free-for-All, which was a repeat of the early race. However, this time it was BLACK DIAMOND leading the way with a speed of 50 mph. On this run the heat of the engine melted the oil dipstick handle.
In the Diesel Free-for-All it was BLUE EYED GIRL leading the way with LA BELLA VITA second and MEAN KATHLEEN third.
In the Fastest Lobster Boat, the top two boats were the same, but BROWN EYED GIRL slid in for a third-place finish.
The winner of the Fastest Friendship Lobster Boat went to Donald Havener’s SEE YA, followed by CARSON EMMA and TAYLOR NICOLE.
Friendship is a great venue and with the great weather I was surprised that we did not have more racers there to compete. You look at all the boats tied to their moorings and wonder what it would take to get more of them to come out. Some do not come out because they do not want to compete with the traveling boats. Others make it a family day of fun and do not care about where they come in. They tie up with other boats and have a great time watching the races. Years back Friendship and Harpswell were on the same weekend, but both wanted to be on Sunday as that is a day they cannot fish. If we went back to this, I am not sure that would make a significant difference. Unfortunately, it really boils down to prizes and making sure that racers know that there will be good prizes handed out and a good hat drawing for those that did not place. Keith Simmons was hoping to make some changes to get more racers there next year and I am sure he will.
HARPSWELL
We were blessed with another gorgeous day, bright sunshine with a nice southerly breeze. As soon as I made it out to sign-ups out on the water the competitors kept coming in a steady stream and in the end, we had 48 boats entered, 12 more than last year.
When Randy Durkee fired up BLACK DIAMOND or Steve Johnson fired up LYNN MARIE [Sisu 26; 632 Chevrolet] heads turned. There is no question that the big gasoline power boats get a lot of attention due to their noise. Hopefully, it sparks others to build one. Both also competed in the Free-for-Alls and the Fastest Lobster Boat race, and that added some excitement to the day’s racing.
The big winner of the day was LYNN MARIE, having placed second in Gasoline Class E, first in Gasoline Free-for-All, first in Fastest Lobster Boat Afloat and first in Fastest Lobster Boat in Casco Bay.
There was just one entrant in Work Boat Class A, JENILY, and she came up the course by herself with a speed of 34.6 mph. In Class B it was a great battle between Andy Correa [Boston Whaler 15; 90-hp Yamaha] and SCREEN TIME. It was close, but Andy Correa slipped into the lead and won by a couple of boat lengths taking a good beating all the way to the finish. In Class C, David Noyes skippered DELUSIONAL [Corson 18; 225-hp Evinrude] to the win. Second went to Jacob Noyes’ WHITE KNUCKLES [Aquasport 17; 175-hp Johnson] and third was Jay Perrotta’s TWIN DISC [Mako 22; 250-hp Suzuki].
In the Gasoline Classes there were no entrants in Class A, B and D. There was one BROWN EYED GIRL in Class C and two in Class E, BLACK DIAMOND, and LYNN MARIE so they were run together. When the flag dropped heads turned when they hit the throttles of those big Chevy engines. They screamed all the way up the course and they were bow to bow as they neared the finish line and when they crossed it was BLACK DIAMOND getting the win with a speed of 51.4 mph.
In the Diesel Classes there were no entrants in Classes A and O. There was also a number with just one entrant so they were combined with another race, still getting the win in their respective class. The first race was Classes B, C and D with just one boat in each. The winner of Class B was Jesse Mitchell’s IS WHAT IT IS [Young Brothers 38 (Slippery); 225-hp John Deere]; Class C, Charles Johnson’s BRANDY [BHM 25; 270-hp Nanni] and Class D, Mark Davis’ WHISKEY GIRL II [Duffy 34; 300-Isuzu]. Four boats came to the line for Class E with AUDREY MAY coming across the finish line first. Just behind her was Tisha Sawyer’s WILBUR [Holland 32; 425-hp Cummins] followed by GUILTY PLEASURE. Four boats also came to the line in Class F and it was not surprising to see FAITH MELLE leading the way to the finish. Scott Merryman’s K. E. II [Northern Bay 38; 405-hp Cummins] took second and third went to Henry Barnes’ DORIE & COLBY [Libby 38; 375-hp]. Having been runner-up several times this year Ari Meehan’s SEMPER FI [Crowley Beal 28; 500-hp Cummins] slipped ahead of his competition and took the win in Class G with a speed of 42.3 mph. Second went to Mark Davis’ RESTLESS [BHM 31; 500-hp Cummins]. Also racing with Class G was the only entrant in Class H, Nick Martinez’s PRETTY WOMAN [Calvin Beal 36; 510-hp Caterpillar]. Up next was Class I, which was won by LIL’ LISA MARIE with Kyle Drapper’s HAPPY HOUR [Mitchell Cove 35; 650-hp Scania] slipping over in second. MEAN KATHLEEN took the win in Class J with Allan Dugas’ DELUSIONAL [38’ John’s Bay Boat, 600-hp Cummins] second. Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] has always been one of the top boats on the racing circuit and one of the best looking as he took the top spot in Class K with Zack Donnell’s REGENCY [Calvin Beal 38; 800-hp Scania] getting second. Class L and M(A) each had one entrant. The winner of Class L was Leif Albertson’s ALL SET [Holland 38, 1,200-hp MAN] and in Class M(A) Justin Papkee’s PULL N’ PRAY [Wayne Beal 40; 500-hp Hyundai]. Five boats were on the line for Class M(B) and it was going to be a battle between Matt Shepard’s ALEXSA ROSE [Morgan Bay 43; 750-hp John Deere] and Chip Johnson’s FIVE STARS [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp Renault-Mack]. They were close as they neared the finish line, but it was FIVE STARS sliding over for the win with the closest finish of the day. Dana Beal’s NATALIE E. [Libby 41; 1,000-hp FPT] came all the way from Moosabec Reach to take first in Class N(A) with a speed of 44.4 mph. Second went to Andy Johnson’s WHISTLIN’ DIXIE [Holland 40; 1,000-hp Caterpillar].
There were no entrants in Wooden Boat A (Any hp., up to 35 feet 11 inches), but there were three on the line for Wooden Boat B (Any hp., 36 feet and over). Two of the boats, DELUSIONAL and ROLLING STONE [John’s Bay Boat 44; 700-hp Lugger] were owned by Allan Dugas and SAND DOLLARS III [41’Johns Bay Boat; 700-hp Caterpillar] by his brother Scott. First went to DELUSIONAL, followed by SAND DOLLARS III and ROLLING STONE.
There was just one boat in the Slowest Boat Race, which was Sam Coolidge’s TIDELY-IDLEY [USCG Launch; 25-hp Mercury]. His speed was 9.5 mph.
Next up was the Gasoline Free-for-All and it was a repeat of the first gasoline race. However, this time the winner by a stem was LYNN MARIE with BLACK DIAMOND right on her side. Third was BROWN EYED GIRL.
In the Diesel Free-for-All eleven boats came to the line and when the flag dropped it was impressive watching them all head for the finish line. Leading the way was LA BELLA VITA followed by WHISTLIN’ DIXIE and ALL SET.
In the Fastest Lobster Boat race, the gasoline boats were going to run, which was going to make for an interesting race. Again, LYNN MARIE just beat BLACK DIAMOND with third going to LA BELLA VITA.
The last race of the day was Fastest Lobster Boat in Casco Bay and it was not surprising to see LYNN MARIE out in front. Second went to WHISTLIN’ DIXIE followed by MEAN KATHLEEN.
As Winter Harbor neared those that were looking to go watched the weather as Hurricane Debby made her way up the Eastern Seaboard. The forecast called for heavy rain and 40 knots of wind. Organizers were also watching and made the decision to cancel and run the races on 25 August. When I woke in Winterport on Saturday, the day the Winter Harbor races were supposed to be held, I had sunny skies with no wind. I quickly figured the weather people had got the forecast wrong again. However, I talked with Alonzo Alley of Jonesport Shipyard, and he said that it blew pretty good during the night and into the day.
PEMAQUID
Sunday (10 August) was another great day on the coast of Maine, especially at Pemaquid for the Merritt Brackett Lobster Boat Races. Sign-ups were done at Pemaquid Seafood and were steady. When completed I had 48 boats entered. This was down a bit from last year, but for those that did not show, either as a racer or spectator, you missed out on a great day of racing and a boatload of prizes. For the first time that I can remember there were no boats entered in any of the Gasoline classes. The top diesel boats were also missing, some with other events to do or had issues, some small and others not. Andrew Taylor’s BLUE EYED GIRL [Morgan Bay 38, 900-hp Scania] was there, but unfortunately did not race.
It should be remembered that this is not a points race as they opt for different classes and that mixes up the competition a bit, making it more interesting. There are also not as many races, about ten less than at the points races.
The big winner of the day was LIL’ LISA MARIA, who won Diesel 451 to 650-hp, 28 feet and over, Diesel Free-for-All and Fastest Lobster Boat.
In the first race of the day (Clamdigger and Lobster Pickers: Outboards 25 hp and under. Skiffs 16-feet and under. Age 18 and under) there were eight boats on the line. First over the line was JENILY with a speed of 32.8 mph. She was followed over by Dalton Taylor’s ANDREW J. [12’ Lund, 25-hp Nissan]. In the second race of the day (Clamdigger and Lobster Pickers: Outboards up to 70 hp. Skiffs over 16-feet) seven boats were entered. The winner was Devon Carter [17’ Boston Whaler, 60-hp Yamaha] with Larry Reed [16’ skiff; 40-hp Yamaha] second and Tucker Kelley [16’ skiff; 40-hp Yamaha] third. Nine boats came to the line for Race 3 (Clamdiggers and Lobster Pickers: Inboards or outboards – 71-hp and over, Skiffs 16 feet and over). The win went to ZIPPAH, with DELUSIONAL second and CASCO MISS third.
With no gasoline boats, it was onto the Diesel Classes. In Race #7 (Diesel 175 hp and under, 24-feet and over) the winner was Greg Carter’s LITTLE R & R [Seaway 26; 140-hp Yanmar]. Second went to Caleb Sookey’s WET DREAM [Repco 30; 165-hp Cummins] followed by Matthew Taylor’s LITTLE ROCKER [Sea Pride 32; 150-hp Cummins]. The only entrant in Race #8 (Diesel 176 to 210-hp, 24-feet and over) was Cole Poland’s C-GIRL [Flower’s 33, 200-hp John Deere], who ran down with Race #7. There were two racers in Race #9 (Diesel 211 to 250-hp, 24-feet and over) and just one, Scott Poland’s REVA J. [33’ Poland; 200-hp Volvo], in Race #10 (Diesel 251 to 350-hp, 24 and over) so these races were combined. The winner of Race #9 was Don Drisko’s MERGANSER [33’ Calvin Beal Jr.; 230-hp Yanmar] followed over by Hunter Prentice’s OUTALINE [BHM 25; 240-hp Volvo]. In Race #11 (Diesel 351 to 450-hp, 28 to 39 feet 11 inch and under) the first over the line was David Osgood’s SPLIT SECOND [Crowley Beal 33; 550-hp D-8 Volvo]. Unfortunately, the records I had with me had not been updated correctly and he was in the wrong class. He should have been in the next race. Second over the line was Josh Audet’s KARAMEL [Crowley 34; 450-hp Cummins], who should have gotten the win followed by GUILTY PLEASURE. Race #12 (Diesel 451 to 650-hp, 28 feet and over) saw LIL’ LISA MARIE and SEMPER FI come to the line. Winning this close race was LIL’ LISA MARIE. Just after the flag dropped for Race #13 (Diesel, 651 to 800-hp, 28 feet and over) Steven Osgood’s SHOOTIN’ STAR [Northern Bay 36; 750-hp John Deere] just slipped ahead of MEAN KATHLEEN and got the win in a remarkably close finish. Third went to Zack Donnell’s REGENCY [Calvin Beal 38; 800-hp Scania]. There were no entrants in Race #14 (Diesel 801-hp and over, 28 feet and over) and just one entrant, SEA BREEZE, in Race #15 (Diesel up to 650-hp, 40 feet and over) so she ran down with Race #13. Four boats were on the line for Race #16 (Diesel 651 to 800 hp, 40 feet and over). The win went to Eben Wilson’s LETTIE ELISE [Young Brothers 45; 800-hp MAN]. He was followed by David Vintinner’s MASTER MASON [South Shore 42; 700-hp Volvo] with third going to Donald Wotton’s RED LADY II [Flowers 43; 750-hp John Deere]. In the final Diesel race (Diesel 801-hp and over, 40 feet and over) Douglas Blasius’ TWILIGHT II [John’s Bay 46; 803-hp] was the only entrant.
The only entrant in the Novi Race was LITTLE ROCKER.
The winner of the Wooden Boat Race was MERGANSER, followed by TWILIGHT II and REVA J.
Six boats came to the line in the Diesel Free-for-All and the win went to LIL’ LISA MARIE, followed by MEAN KATHLEEN and SHOOTIN’ STAR.
In the Fastest Lobster Boat race, it was LIL’ LISA MARIE, but this time SHOOTIN’ STAR just got by MEAN KATHLEEN for second.
It is now onto Long Island (17 August) and Portland (18 August), which is always a great time. REMEMBER: the Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races, which were canceled on Saturday (10 August) will be held on Sunday the 25th. This is their 60th anniversary and with them drawing for a Crowley-Beal 33 hull it should be well attended.
