Maine is renowned for its seafood and lobster, but also its boating and summer activities and events. One of the most endearing and exciting events is the Maine Lobster Boat Races which take place in a series of eight races in different locations along the eastern seaboard of the state.
Organization: AllTrips.com
Dates: 06/15/2013 - 06/16/2013 update info
Time: 8:00:00 AM - 4:00:00 PM
Event Cost: varies
Venue: Various Locations in Boothbay Harbor,ME
Contact: Maine Lobster Boat Race
Email:
Website: www.great-maine-vacations.com/maine-lobster-boat-races.html
Event Details:
There is nothing more uniquely Maine than a day at the lobster boat races. Whether you're drawn to the races as a serious competitor, or are a summer visitor in search of a true Maine experience, a day at the races will kick summer into gear.Locations and times vary! The races happen throughout June and August at various locations and harbors. Check the schedule for details...
June 15, 2013 - Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Where: Boothbay, Harbor
Information: Marshall Farnham, 207-380-5892
June 16, 2013 - Rockland, Maine
Where: O'Hara's North Facility
Information: Steve Brooks, 207-354-8763
June 22, 2013 - Bass Harbor, Maine
Where: Bass Harbor
Information: Wayne/Colyn Rich, 207-244-9623
June 29, 2013 - Moosebec Reach, Beals Island, Jonesport, Maine
Where: United States Coast Guard Station
Information: E. Blackwood, 207-598-6681
June 30, 2013 - Long Island, Maine
Where: Long Island
Information: Not available
July 13, 2013 - Searsport, Maine
Where: Searsport Town Dock
Information: Keith & Travis Otis, 207-548-6362
July 14, 2013 - Stonington, Maine
Where: Stonington Town Dock
Information: Nick Wiberg, 207-348-2375
July 20, 2013 - Friendship, Maine
Where: Barge in the middle of the Harbor
Information - Wes Lash, 207-832-7807
July 28, 2013 - Harpswell, Maine
Where: Barge off Mitchell Field
Information: Henry Barnes, 207-725-2567
August 10, 2013 - Winter Harbor, Maine (Winter Harbor, Maine Lobster Festival)
Where: Town Dock
Information: Chris Byers, 207-963-7139
August 11, 2013 - Merritt Bracket, Pemaquid, Maine
Where: State Park Restaurant - Pemaguid
Information: Don Drisko & Laurie Crane, 207-677-2432
August 18, 2013 - MS Harborfest Portland, Maine
Where: Portland Yacht Services
Information: Jon Johansen, 207-223-8846
September 8, 2013 - Eastport, Maine (Part of Eastport Pirate Festival)
Information: www.eastportpiratefestival.com
- Races take place in eight different eastern seaside towns
- The Maine Lobster Boat Races are held from June to August
- Free to watch and cheer on your favorite boat
Overview: Boat racing is a significant part of Maine coastal life, especially during the summer months when tourists flock to Maine’s eastern coastline towns and villages. Add to that the succulent seafood and lobster that is freshly available in these many locations and it is no surprise that the Maine Lobster Boat Races hold so much appeal to visitors.
Where: Races take place in eight different eastern seaside towns
When: The Maine Lobster Boat Races are held from June to August
Cost: Free to watch. Fees vary for racers.
Details: The races are an opportunity for young and old to showcase and test their sailing and boating talents in a series of eight races that are challenging to the sailors and entertaining for those who go to watch.
Competitors range from the serious professional racers to visiting tourists who just want the thrill of experiencing a true Maine type vacation.
Recent racing locations on the Maine Lobster Boat Races’ circuit have included Permaquid, Searsport, Winter Harbor, Friendship, Harpswell, Stonington, Moosabec, Rockland and Boothbay Harbor. Boaters usually participate in each race at each location in order to gather points towards the overall circuit season. The top racers for the entire Maine Lobster Boat Racing circuit win varied prizes, with the top prize being the coveted Maine Lobster Boat Racing cup.
The first races take place in mid June at Boothbay Harbor. The second race takes place at Rockland. The third race takes place at Moosabec on July 4th, Independence Day. The fourth race is in mid July at Searsport. The fifth race is hosted by Stonington in mid July. The sixth race kicks off at Friendship in late July. The seventh race is held at Harpswell, and the final race takes place in early August at Winter Harbor. However, there is another fun race held at Permaquid, though no points are afforded to the boaters in mid August.
Entries for the boat races for the Maine Lobster Boat Racing event vary in deadlines which are set for the year preceding the races. The deadline for races at Stonington, Searsport, Moosabec, Rockland and Boothbay is mid July and mid August for races at Winter Harbor, Harpswell and Friendship. September 1st is the final deadline for entries for the open race at Permaquid. Each race is held, dependant on the conditions at sea and the weather, commencing at 10am sharp.
The Maine Lobster Boat Racing finale is the big awards banquet. The banquet is held in September, on last Friday of the month in Rockland, usually at the Tradewinds. Tickets for the banquet are available through the Maine Lobster Boat Racing organizers and are limited. Though the majority of the attendees are the boaters and their families, some tickets are afforded to anyone who wishes to attend and cheer on the winners.