Heather Thompson’s GOLD DIGGER [Wayne Beal 36; 675-hp Scania] and Jeff Lindelof’s JETT SET [Calvin Beal 36; 700-hp MAN] heading for the finish line in Diesel Class J. GOLD DIGGER got the win and JETT SET took second.
The top boat of the day at Winter Harbor and all year was Jeremy Beal’s MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II [Wayne Beal 32; 1,000-hp Isotta]. She won Diesel Class L, Diesel Free-for-All and Fastest Lobster Boat.
Ann Johansen at the helm of SARI ANN I [40’ Johns Bay Boat, 375-hp 3208 Caterpillar] just sliding past Justin Papkee’s PULL N’ PRAY [Wayne Beal 40; 500-hp Hyundai] as they finish two and three in Diesel Class M(A).
LONG ISLAND
One of my favourite weekends of the summer is making the trip from Searsport to Long Island by boat for the last two races of the season: Long Island (17 August) and Portland (18 August). However, due to inclement weather the weekend before the Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races had been postponed and would run the next weekend on 25 August, thus they would be the last race of the season this year.
The trip down onboard SARI ANN I was much better than last year when we were battling 10 to 12 foot seas from outside Mussel Ridge Channel until we got in behind the islands off Portland. This year the trip down was clear, warm with a light sou’west breeze and took just six hours to complete.
The Friday night party on the ferry dock was well attended where we enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs and the race committee sold lots and lots of T-shirts and hoodies. In the morning sign-ups were steady and when done I had 48 boats entered, which was up over last.
The races went well, and many spectators were there to see Randy Durkee’s BLACK DIAMOND [Holland 32, 672 Chevrolet] battle Steve Johnson’s LYNN MARIE [Sisu 26; 632 Chevrolet] and they did not disappoint.
There were no entrants in Work Boat Class A (Skiffs 16 feet and under, Outboards up to 30 hp, operators up to 18 years old), but seven boats came to the line for Work Boat Class B (Inboard, Outboard or Outdrive, 31 to 90 hp). Missing was Andy Correa [Boston Whaler 15; 90-hp Yamaha] who is always battling for the top spot with Mason Vintinner’s SCREEN TIME [Corson 16; 90-hp Mercury]. SCREEN TIME only missed the Bass Harbor races and was always the top boat or close to it and today was no different as he streaked over the line by several boat lengths grabbing first. Second went to Ron Barrett’s MISS DIANE III [Lund 18; 90-hp Honda] all the way from Plum Island, Massachusetts followed by Annabell Kimball’s ALTHEA [Fore River 20; 90-hp Mercury] in third. Work Boat Class C (Inboard, Outboard or Outdrive, 90 hp and over) has been dominated by several boats (Ron Pottle’s DELUSIONAL [Corson 18; 225-hp Evinrude]; Jacob Noyes’ WHITE KNUCKLES [Aquasport 17; 175-hp Johnson] and David Noyes’ ZIPPAH [Corson 17; 150-hp Evinrude]) coming from Harpswell, but they thought the start was at 1500 not 1200 and thus were a no show. David Johnston’s CASCO MISS [Eastern 22, 250-hp Honda] battled his way through the waves and crossed the finish line first. Second went to Tyler Hodgkins’ LOST SOUL [Aquasport 22; 150-hp Suzuki] and in third was Matt Byer’s CONTENTIOUS [Mitchell Cove 20; 150-hp Mercury].
Up next was the Gasoline Classes and there were just three boats signed up in two of the five classes. There were no entrants in Gasoline Classes B (V8, Up to 375 ci, 24 feet and over), C (V8, 376 to 525 ci, 24 feet and over) and D (V8, 376 to 540 ci, 24 feet and over (Non-working racer)). Signed up in Class A (Four and Six Cylinder, 24 feet and over) was Tim Day’s ALL DAY LONG [Johnson 28; V-6 Gas] and in Class E (V8, Over 525 ci, 28 feet and over, Turbos/superchargers) was BLACK DIAMOND and LYNN MARIE. With just three boats they were all sent down together. When the flag dropped there was a big scream heard from both BLACK DIAMOND and LYNN MARIE, which got louder as they neared the finish line. It looked as though BLACK DIAMOND was going to get the win, but just before the finish line LYNN MARIE surged ahead and slipped over for the win by a mere few feet.
Next came the diesel classes and there were no entrants in classes B (Up to 235 hp, 32 feet to 40 feet), L (901 hp and over, 28 feet to 40 feet) and O (Non-working boats, any length, any horsepower). With just one boat in Class A (Up to 235 hp, 24 to 31 feet), Silas Jones’ SPITTIN’ IMAGE [Osmond 27; 210-hp Cummins] and one in Class C (236 to 335 hp, 24 to 33 feet), Adam Kimball’s MISS ATTITUDE [Holland 32; 265-hp John Deere] they were sent down together winning their respective classes. Three boats came to the line for Class D (236 to 335 hp, 34 feet to 40 feet) and jumping right into the lead when the flag dropped was Mark Davis’ WHISKEY GIRL II [Duffy 34; 300-Isuzu] winning with a speed of 28.9 mph. Second over the line was Christian LaMontagne’s GUILLEMOT [Wayne Beal 34; 300-hp Caterpillar] followed by Dan Smith’s TWO KEEPAH [Duffy 35; 330-hp John Deere] in third. Three boats were on the line for Class E (336 to 435 hp, 24 to 33 feet) and no one was surprised to see Randy Durkee’s AUDREY MAY [Holland 32; 425-hp Cummins] get out in front and never look back. Second went to Jake Dugas’ GUILTY PLEASURE [Mitchell Cove 32; 380-hp Cummins] with third going to Tom Cloutier’s BITTERSWEET [Mitchell Cove 32; 370-hp Volvo]. Five boats were on the line for Class F (336 to 435 hp, 34 feet to 40 feet) and would anyone catch Winfred Alley’s FAITH MELLE [Libby 34; 425-hp Cummins]? Well, no one did as he came over the line with a four-boat length lead. Second went to Ed Torosian’s MS. ROSE [Mitchell Cove 35; 410-hp Sisu], who came all the way from New Hampshire. Third went to Craig Stewart’s CARL & CO [Wayne Beal 36; 405-hp Cummins]. There was just two boats in Class G (436 to 550 hp, 28 to 35 feet), Mariena Beal’s MY TURN [Wayne Beal 32; 500-hp Cummins] and Ari Meehan’s SEMPER FI [Crowley Beal 28; 500-hp Cummins], and one in Class H (436 to 550 hp, 36 feet to 40 feet), Travis Otis’ FIRST TEAM [Northern Bay 36; 410-hp Sisu 645] so they were run down together. It was not surprising to see MY TURN out in front leading everyone to the finish with a speed of 42.8 mph. She was closely followed over by SEMPER FI and then FIRST TEAM, the winner of class H. Class I (551 to 700 hp, 28 to 35 feet) had three boats entered and two of them (Gary Genthner’s LIL’ LISA MARIE [Mussel Ridge 28; 600-hp FPT] and Chris Smith’s MISTY [Crowley Beal 33; 650 hp Scania]) have been battling for the top spot for more than two years. Chris thought that the changes he had recently made would get him out in front, but he fell just short with LIL’ LISA MARIE getting the win by half a boat length with a speed of 39 mph. Third went to Kyle Drapper’s HAPPY HOUR [Mitchell Cove 35; 650-hp Scania]. Two boats, Alan Dugas’ DELUSIONAL [38’ John’s Bay Boat, 600-hp Cummins] and Sean Clemon’s MEAN KATHLEEN [Wayne Beal 36; 700-hp Scania] were on the line for Class J (551 to 700 hp, 36 feet to 40 feet) and they were joined by Zack Donnell’s REGENCY [Calvin Beal 38; 800-hp Scania], which was the only entrant in Class K (701 to 900 hp, 28 feet to 40 feet). Missing this weekend was Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT], which had developed an exhaust issue and could not be repaired in time to make the races. When the flag dropped on the start boat MEAN KATHLEEN jumped right into the lead for the win. Second over the line and second in Class J was DELUSIONAL. REGENCY got the win in class K. Three boats were on the line for Class M(A) (40 feet and over, up to 500 hp) and it was not surprising to see Chris Pope’s OLD SCHOOL [Holland 41; 380-hp Cummins] leading the way. The real battle was for second between Justin Papkee’s PULL N’ PRAY [Wayne Beal 40; 500-hp Hyundai] and Ann Johansen’s SARI ANN I [40’ Johns Bay Boat, 375-hp 3208 Caterpillar]. As they neared the finish line SARI ANN I had gain separation and slipped over in second. The two top boats in Class M(B) (40 feet and over, 501 to 750 hp) were missing. Eric Beal’s KIMBERLY ANN [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp FPT] was a no show and Matt Shepard’s ALEXSA ROSE [Morgan Bay 43; 750-hp John Deere] was having her engine replaced at Long Cove Marine Services on Deer Isle. The winner was Chip Johnson’s FIVE STARS [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp Renault-Mack] with a speed of 29.2 mph followed by Wayne Clemons’ TEMPTATION [Young Brothers 40; 730-hp MAN] and in third was David Vintinner’s MASTER MASON [South Shore 42; 700-hp Volvo]. There was just one boat in Class N(A) (40 feet and over, 751 to 1,000 hp) Dana Beal’s NATALIE E. [Libby 41; 1,000-hp FPT] and one in Class N(B) (40 feet and over, 1,001 hp and over), Tom Clemons’ 4 LADIES [Wesmac SW46; 1,000-hp Caterpillar], so they ran down together each getting the win in their respective classes.
There were no entrants in Wooden Boat Race A (up to 35 feet 11 inches), but two came to the line in Wooden Boat Race B (36 feet and over). This was easily won by DELUSIONAL followed by SARI ANN I.
The next race, Boats Built by Johnson’s Boat Yard, was won by CASCO MISS followed by LYNN MARIE and ALICE & EVA.
This was followed by another specialty race, the Royal River Boat Yard Race, and the winner was Andrew Pellechia’s ELASSONA, followed by OLYMPIA and CARL & CO. The battle for last place was a great race between Rusty Permenter’s PATRICIA ANN and Josh Todd’s BIG DIPPER and last over was PATRICIA ANN.
All three gasoline boats came to the line and it was going to be another battle between BLACK DIAMOND and LYNN MARIE. As they came up the course it was too close to call, but as they neared the line BLACK DIAMOND was out in front by half a boat length and got the win with LYNN MARIE second. Unfortunately, BLACK DIAMOND discovered after the race they had no oil pressure and opted not to continue. It was discovered later that the oil pick up had detached and was laying in the bottom of the oil pan.
In the Diesel Free-for-All nine boats went to the line and it was surprising to see MY TURN leading the way with FAITH MELLE in second MEAN LATHLEEN third and AUDREY MAY fourth in a real close battle.
LYNN MARIE was already at the starting area waiting for the competition for the final race of the day, the Fastest Lobster Boat. Just two boats showed, FAITH MELLE and MEAN KATHLEEN. When the flag dropped everyone could hear LYNN MARIE’s engine scream. As the racers neared halfway it was obvious that LYNN MARIE was in the lead, but would her engine hold up? She came flying across the line with FAITH MELLE second and MEAN KATHLEEN third.
PORTLAND
It did not look very promising the following morning when I arrived at the dock at Johnson’s Boat Yard on Long Island for the Portland Lobster Boat Races (18 August). I could see that the fog was coming and going and it looked real bad over towards Portland Harbor. On our way out to the race committee boat, we had a little trouble locating them in the thick fog. Finally found them and instantly began signups. I had signed up 29 boats at the Long Island races and was hoping to get 12 more to at least be even with the entries of last year, but the fog was an issue. When done I had 37 boats, which was understandable with the conditions we had.
There were no entrants in Work Boat Class A so Class B was the first event of the day. Three boats were on the line and it was not surprising to see SCREEN TIME leading everyone down the course to the finish line at a speed of 41.5 mph. She was followed over by MISS DIANE III and then Kelsey Anderson’s TROUBLE [Carolina Skiff 16; 40-hp Tohatsu]. There were only two boats on the line for Work Boat Class C, CASCO MISS and ZIPPAH. It was close all the way down the course, but just before they crossed the line ZIPPAH had jumped into the lead for the win.
There were five boats entered in the Gas classes, with only Class B and D with no entrants. In Class A was ALL DAY LONG; in Class C Jim Koehling’s BROWN EYED GIRL [Duffy 26; 454-hp Chevrolet] and Mark Freeman’s FOOLISH PLEASURE [30’ Custom Riley Beal; 800-hp 550 Chevy]; and in Class E BLACK DIAMOND and LYNN MARIE. Mark Freeman’s FOOLISH PLEASURE was signed up, but they could not get her fired up at the dock. Many would have loved to see the battle between BLACK DIAMOND and LYNN MARIE continue, but it was not to be. They were working on BLACK DIAMOND when I arrived at the dock at Johnson’s Boat Yard that morning. They pulled the oil intake tube that went into the gauge, but got no oil. They did not feel comfortable and did not want to destroy the engine, so they decided to keep her tied to the dock for the day. This meant there was only one boat in Class A, C and E so they were combined into one race. When the flag dropped on the start boat everyone could hear the engines of BROWN EYED GIRL and LYNN MARIE scream all the way down the course. It was close, but obvious that LYNN MARIE was getting separation and came over the line first winning Class E. BROWN EYED GIRL crossed over next winner of Class C. Next came ALL DAY LONG, which got the win in Class A.
The only Diesel Class with no entrants was Class O, but there were several classes with just one entrant. There was just one boat in Classes A, B, C and D so they were combined into one race with each winning their respective classes. First over the line was WHISKEY GIRL II for the win in Class D followed by MISS ATTITUDE, who won Class C. The real battle was between Curt Brown’s LIL’ MORE TAIL [Calvin Beal 33; 225-hp John Deere] and Bruce Dyer’s RELENTLESS [BHM 28; 200-hp Yanmar] with LIL’ MORE TAIL just crossing ahead of RELENTLESS. LIL’ MORE TAIL got the win in Class B and RELENTLESS in Class A. Next was another combined race with Class E and F. Class E had two boats entered and Class F three. The real battle was between AUDREY MAY in Class E and FAITH MELLE in Class F. As they came ripping up the course it was close, but FAITH MELLE had the lead as they finished one-two with the winning speed of 40.4 mph. Then there was a battle for second in each class between GUILTY PLEASURE and Cameron Murphy’s BLUE DOLPHIN II [Crowley 36; 402-hp 3406 Caterpillar], but GUILTY PLEASURE worked her way in front as they came across the finish line. The next race was a combination of the two racers in Class G and the one in Class H. It was all MY TURN with SEMPER FI right on her transom as they finished one-two in Class G. Following them up the course was FIRST TEAM, who got the win in Class H. Three boats were on the line in Class I and it was a rematch between LIL’ LISA MARIE and MISTY, however the results were the same with LIL’ LISA MARIE getting the win by half a boat length over MISTY in second. Third went to HAPPY HOUR. There was just one entrant, MEAN KATHLEEN in Class J and REGENCY in Class K and they were combined and each got the win in their respective classes. Two boats were signed up for Class M(A), but Parker Pool decided he wanted to race NEW LEDGE [Stanley 44; 304-hp 871 Detroit] and the the one entrant in Class M(B) MASTER MASON joined them. The two lead boats coming up the line was MASTER MASON and OLD SCHOOL. Slowly it was OLD SCHOOL slipping ahead with MASTER MASON right on his stern, each winning their respective classes. The third boat over was PULL N’ PRAY and a little further back was NEW LEDGE running at 11.7 mph. There was just one entrant in Class N(A) and one in Class N(B) with the win in Class N(A) going to NATALIE E. and Class N(B) 4 LADIES.
There were no entrants in either of the Wooden Boat Classes.
Next up was the Gasoline Free-for-All, which was a rematch of the first gasoline race with the same results. LYNN MARIE came across first with BROWN EYED GIRL back a couple of boat lengths in second.
Nine boats were on the line for the Diesel Free-for-All and it was a slight surprise to see NATALIE E. leading them all the way to the finish line as she rarely runs in the Free-for-All. Second went to SEMPER FI who was followed over by AUDREY MAY in one of the best races of the day.
Now for the final race of the day, Fastest Lobster Boat Race and many were surprised to see just LYNN MARIE and BROWN EYED GIRL on the line. It was a very close race, but it was LYNN MARIE by half a boat length for the win.
One of the highlights of the Portland Lobster Boat Races is the tugboat races. There are only a few places that still have tug races and we are fortunate that Portland is one of those places. The tugs competing included: ANDREW MCALLISTER, MCALLISTER BROTHERS, NANCY MCALLISTER, RODERICK MCALLISTER and the newest tug around Portland BANCROFT 24, which will be used for marine construction projects. When they finished two runs down the course they paired up and pushed their opponent to see who had the most power.
Now it is onto the final race of the year at Winter Harbor on Sunday (25 August). This would be their 60th anniversary and to make it memorable they were giving away a Crowley Beal 33 hull and deck. The bet was they would break the record for the most boats at a race with more than 167 racers entered, which had happened back in 2019.
WINTER HARBOR
Normally the lobster boat racing season comes to an end following the Long Island/Portland race weekend on the third weekend in August. This year weather caused the cancellation of the Winter Harbor races and they decided to run on 25 August. I arrived Saturday afternoon after a nice sail on board SARI ANN I from Stonington and helped sign-in a number of boats that evening. I took all of the signed ups, including those from the Internet, and entered them into the computer thinking I only would have a handful to input in the morning. That was until I noticed that we had a problem. When the racers signed up online, if they said they had raced this year I did not have a form for them. It was a minor issue, one we will avoid next year. When all was in, they had broken the record with 183 boats entered and we were ready to race.
There were numerous close races and several times we had to go to the video, which was lined up perfectly with the marks of the finish line, to get the correct finishing order. I did get a little worried when about halfway through the races the fog closed in, but fortunately it did not stay long.
Most of the races that are sanctioned by the Maine Lobster Boat Racing Association (MLBRA) run the normal three Work Boat Classes, but in the past Winter Harbor has opted to run just one Work Boat Class, basically hope you brought enough. This year they copied the MLBRA list, which was not a major issue and seemed to be liked by those attending.
The first winner of the day was Blake Feltis in SKID MARK [12’ Carolina Skiff; 30-hp Yamaha] all the way from Bremen, who won Work Boat Class A. Second went to Walker Durkee in Steve Johnson’s LITTLE DINNIE [Carolina Skiff 14; 20-hp]. SCREEN TIME continued his winning way as he slid over the finish line first in Work Boat Class B beating 10 others. He was followed by Derek Earley’s WHALER [Boston Whaler 17; 90-hp Johnson]. Five boats were on the line for Class C and it looked close as they neared the finish line, but Caleb Norton’s WHITE LIGHTNING [Mako 20; 200-hp Evinrude] was in front by a boat length with Nathaniel Robertson’s DADDY DIDN’T BUY IT [Passamaquoddy 24; 350-hp Yamaha] second and Jay Perrotta’s TWIN DISC [Mako 22; 250-hp Suzuki] third.
There were four boats signed up in the Gasoline Classes with no one in Classes A and C. There were two in Class B and one each in Class D and E so they were all combined into one race. When the flag dropped the sound of those big Chevy engines from BLACK DIAMOND and FOOLISH PLEASURE penetrated the entire harbor. It was a close race, but at the line it was FOOLISH PLEASURE crossing first for the win in Class D. Second over the line was BLACK DIAMOND winner of Class E. Next over was Cody Hadlock’s EMPTY POCKETS [Crowley 28; 350 Chevrolet] the winner of Class B and second in Class B went to Harrison Richardson’s DAD’S DREAM II [T. Jason 28; 200-hp].
Most races will do a memorial run up the course in remembrance of those that have passed on since the previous year’s race. There was a tribute to Dale Torrey, but race organizers decided to have any boat that wanted to run up the course in memory of Dave Worcester of Dave’s Glass, who lost his life in an automobile accident this spring. He had made many of the windows for the boats of the fishing fleet of Downeast Maine.
In the Diesel Classes there was just one (Class O), which did not have an entrant. The problem was that there were so many entrants in some classes that we had to do two heats and a final race in five of the classes (E, F, M(A), M(B) and N(A)). Winter Harbor is wide enough, but we thought about ten boats was the maximum number of racers to be on the starting line safely.
Five boats came to the line for Class A and the win went to Jacob Kirby’s BARE BOTTOM [BHM 25, 220-hp John Deere] who led the way to the finish right from the start. He was followed by Tom Young’s ETHAN R. [South Shore 30; 225-hp John Deere] and in third was Gavin Hunt’s ABBE & EMMIE [Osmond 27; 225-hp John Deere]. There were five boats on the line for Class B and the winner was Kit Johnson’s MR. LUCKY [Duffy 35; 225-hp John Deere]. Kit had won this boat in a drawing at the Winter Harbor races back in 2004 and has always been one of the top boats in this class. Finishing right on his stern was Colin Piper’s REPETITIVE [Young Brothers 33; 200-hp Volvo]. Then there was a fight for third and fourth between a father and son with third going to John Chipman, Sr.’s GERRY ANN [Osmond 34; 210-hp Cummins] with his son John Chipman’s Jr.’s THERESA ANNE [Duffy 34; 210-hp Cummins] right on his starboard side. Eight boats came to the line in Diesel Class C and it was no surprise to see Roy Fagonde’s LAST DESIGN [E. Libby, Jr., 31; 300-hp Caterpillar] leading the way up the course. Second went to Jason Tyler’s HOLLY LYNN [Holland 32; 315-hp Cummins] followed by Shane Phinney’s KNOT SHORE [Crowley Beal 33; 318-hp Volvo]. In Class D it was not surprising to see Chad Libby’s MYRTLE BELLE [Libby 34, 205-hp John Deere] streaking up the course chased by the other six competitors. Next over was Myles Bierman’s O KAY TORI [Duffy 35; 330-hp John Deere] and in third was Roy Whalen III’s BONNIE’S BRATS [Osmond 35; 315-hp Cummins]. The first heat race was Class E and the first heat was won by Calvin Beal, Jr.’s JEANINE MARIE [Calvin Beal 25; 420-hp FPT], who bested AUDREY MAY by two boat lengths. The winner of the second heat was Alan Johnson’s CATHERINE ELIZABETH [AJ-28; 350-hp Yanmar] followed by Courtney Sargent’s C.A.V.E. [Crowley-Beal 33; 420-hp Cummins]. The top three boats from each heat would race in the finals. When the flag dropped it looked like AUDREY MAY and JEANINE MARIE were side by side, but as they neared the line, we could see that AUDREY MAY was in the lead with JEANINE MARIE right on her port quarter as they finished one-two. Third went to Dan Sawyer’s HIGH VOLTAGE [AJ-28; 400-hp Yanmar]. Class F was another heat race. You hope that when you split the racers you also split up the fast boats. The winner of the first heat was FAITH MELLE followed by Ethan Dorr’s MISS EMERSYN [Jason 35; 430-hp Cummins] and in the second heat the winner was Mitch White’s BOUNTY HUNTER [Calvin Beal 34; 425-hp Cummins] with second going to Brain Strout’s SUNSHINE CHALET [Mitchell Cove 35; 425-hp John Deere]. SUNSHINE CHALET is another boat that was won as a hull and deck at the Winter Harbor races back in 2019. The real race was going to be between BOUNTY HUNTER and FAITH MELLE and it was a close one right to the finish line where FAITH MELLE slipped over just ahead of BOUNTY HUNTER. Third went to SUNSHINE CHALET. There were just three boats entered in Class G and after making it into the New York Times last week following the races off Portland, Mariena Beal came and surprised no one when her MY TURN led the way to the finish. Second went to SEMPER FI, which came all the way from Yarmouth and third was Steve Carver’s ANOTHER DIRLS [Holland 35, 550-hp John Deere]. Ten boats were on the line for Class H and anyone willing to bet would have placed their money on Dean Beal’s MISS NORMA [Wayne Beal 36; 500-hp Cummins] and you would have been right. Second went to Willie Coombs’ MELYNDA M. [Wayne Beal 36; 500-hp FPT] with third going to Brian Kennedy’s MADISON ALEXA [Osmond 37; 500-hp Cummins]. Five boats were on the line for Class I and it was Jackson Lemieux’s ASPIRATION [Young Brothers 35; 450-hp Volvo] streaking up the right side of the course for the win. Back just a boat length was Colby Oakes’ TRIPLE X [Mitchell Cove 35, 650-hp Scania] with Codey Pettengill’s JULIE’S PRIDE [Wayne Beal 34; 530-hp FPT] right on his stern in third. It was great to see Heather Thompson’s GOLD DIGGER [Wayne Beal 36; 675-hp Scania] back out racing in Class J. She came flying up the right side of the course for the win with Jeff Lindelof’s JETT SET [Calvin Beal 36; 700-hp MAN] sliding over in second. With his exhaust issue remedied, Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] led the five other competitors to the finish in Class K. The real battle was for second between David Myrick’s JANICE ELAINE [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT], Ira Guptill’s MYSTERY MACHINE [Northern Bay 38; 750-hp, John Deere] and Steven Osgood’s SHOOTIN’ S.T.A.R. [Northern Bay 36; 750-hp John Deere]. It was too close to call halfway up the course, but as they neared the committee boat they had separation and finished alphabetically. In Class L there was one entrant Jeremy Beal’s MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II [Wayne Beal 32; 1,000-hp Isotta] and she ran with Class K and easily led the way up the course. Class M(A) was a heat race and in the first heat winner Chris Pope’s OLD SCHOOL [Holland 41; 380-hp Cummins] crossed first followed by Bryce Coombs’ MAX EFFORT and Don Crowley’s LUNASEA [Bruno Stillman 42; 405-hp Cummins] in third. In the second heat the winner was Paul Kennedy’s LADY GRACE [Calvin Beal 42; 500-hp Cummins] with Kyle Look’s KIMBERLY LYNN [Calvin Beal 40; 455-hp Cummins] in second and Lucas Cates’ WHY KNOT third. This set up a great race in the finals. OLD SCHOOL was the boat to beat and LADY GRACE did her best to upset the favourite, but she finished right behind her in second. Third went to KIMBERLY LYNN. Class M(B) was another heat race and no one was surprised to see Eric Beal’s KIMBERLY ANN [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp FPT] leading the way to the finish in the first heat. Billy Bob Faulkingham’s GRAMP’S BIRD [Osmond 40; 700-hp FPT], placed second followed by Roman Jordan’s AMP [Osmond 44, 750-FPT]. In the second heat the winner was Hannah Whalen’s HANNAH MARIE [Wayne Beal 40; 730-hp MAN] followed by Suki Pinkham’s SEA MONSTER [Repco 42; 700-hp Scania] and MASTER MASON. We could bet who the winner was going to be, KIMBERLY ANN, but the real question was who was getting second? That went to GRAMP’S BIRD with SEA MONSTER third. I should have split up the two top boats, NATALIE E. and Ryan Lemieux’s OBSESSION [Young Brothers 40; 1,000-hp Caterpillar] in Class N(A) as they finished one-two in the first heat with OBSESSION getting the win. Third went to Mike Faulkingham’s CAPTAIN COLE [South Shore 42; 1,000-hp FPT]. In the second heat Bill Haass’ 44 OVER [Mussel Ridge 42; 1,000-hp MAN] took the win with Dixon Smith’s SIZE MATTERS [Libby 45’ 3”; 1,000-hp FPT] second and Isaiah Pinkham’s BOTTOMS UP [Duffy 42; 1000-hp] third. The question now was would NATALIE E. turn the table in the finals and get the win? As they came up the course OBSESSION had the lead with NATALIE E. back a boat length followed by CAPTAIN COLE. In Class N(B) nine boats were on the line and it was Mack Kelley’s FIFTH GENERATION [Wesmac 46; 1,000-hp FPT] getting over the finish line first. He was followed by SIZE MATTERS and Jason Chipman’s MISS AMITY [Mussel Ridge 46; 900-hp Scania].
Now, Winter Harbor runs some specialty races, one being Class P “Oh My God That’s a Big Boat, 44 feet and over.” The results were similar to Class N(B) with FIFTH GENERATION, first, followed by SIZE MATTERS and in third was 4 LADIES.
There was just one wooden boat entered in the wooden boat races, SARI ANN I, and she won Wooden Boat B.
Another specialty race is the Lady Skipper’s Race and the racer must of a lobster license and work the boat they are racing. Favoured was GOLD DIGGER, but many were surprised to see MY TURN leading the way with GOLD DIGGER back a couple of boat lengths.
It was time for the battle of the gas boats in the Gasoline Free-for-All. BLACK DIAMOND would just edge out FOOLISH PLEASURE in a close race.
In the Diesel Free-for-All seven boats went to the line and no one was surprised to see MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II leading the way to the finish. Second went to LA BELLA VITA and OBSESSION third.
In the final race of the day, Fastest Lobster Boat, MARIE’S NIGHTMARE II led the way with BLACK DIAMOND right on his stern. For some reason BLACK DIAMOND slowed and went off course not finishing giving second to LA BELLA VITA.
The races took more than four hours to run, which was not surprising under the circumstances. The awards for first and second were handed out, a number of prizes were drawn out of the hat, and the final drawing for the hull and deck was won by Kyle Look.
This concluded the 2024 lobster boat racing season and it was a good one. We had 745 racers participate this year compared to 567 last year. That is the best since 2019. The weather was good for most of the races and that does make a big difference. I am surprised that there are not more people that come out to compete. One of the arguments is that some of the traveling boats are turned up and they do not want to race against them. To me it is more about getting together with fishermen up and down the coast and have a good time. I am hoping that some will see just how much fun it is going to the different races and come out next year.
I am not anticipating any changes to the classes or rules, but there is one thing I would like to implement and that is offering early sign-ups. This was tried at Winter Harbor and seemed to work pretty well although there were several people who did not have the program they used. We could offer an early sign up at the Maine Fisherman’s Forum or at the first race of the season. Thar is just one thought.
Have no fear, I already have the 2025 calendar put together for next year and the computer is updated and ready. However, before that remember the Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at Robinson’s Wharf on Southport Island on 19 October. For those planning to spend the night in Boothbay there is a special racers deal at the Tugboat Inn, just make sure you tell them you are a lobster boat racer. Also, please make sure you sign up with my office so I know how many are attending so the restaurant has a head count.
