Chip Johnson’s FIVE STARS [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp Renault-Mack] jumps into the lead and wins Diesel 801-hp and over, 40 feet and over with Tom Clemons’ 4 LADIES [Wesmac SW46; 1,000-hp Caterpillar] taking second.
HARPSWELL LOBSTER BOAT RACES, 24 July
Another incredible day on the coast of Maine with bright sunny skies and a nice SW breeze. Since I did not want to leave Searsport at 0200 hours, I left the boat on the hook and headed to Harpswell by the GMC pickup at 0530. I arrived at Erica’s Seafood in Harpswell at 0730. The race organizers had decided to go back racing off Mitchell Field, the old Navy tank farm, feeling this would be a much better site. A large float was set up off Mitchell Field and that is where the signups and T-shirt sales took place. Signups were steady right up to 1000 and when done we had 47 boats entered in the races. However, there was still several races, which needed to be combined due to just one entrant.
One aspect that was impressive was the number of spectator boats, which was well over a hundred, lining both sides of the course.
There were 14 boats entered in the Work Boat Classes. There was just one, Jennifer and Emily Noyes’ JENILY [Corson 14; 30-hp Johnson], in Class A and since their father, David, rides with them and was also in the next race, they ran up the course solo. The dominate boats in Class B has been Jacob Noyes’ ZIPPIN’ TOO [Corson 15; 90-hp Nissan] and David Noyes’ ZIPPIN’ [Corson 14; 60-hp Johnson], always finishing one-two. However, today Matt Williams’ HOOLIGAN [Skiff; 90-hp] slipped by ZIPPIN’ and captured second. If you wanted a close finish we certainly got one in Class C. With the drop of the flag four boats separated themselves from the others and streaked for the finish. The favourite was Dave Johnston’s CASCO MISS [Eastern 22, 250-hp Honda], but as he neared the finish line Jay Perrotta’s SLICE [Mako 20; 200-hp Suzuki] slide by for the win by a mere four feet. Third went to Al Strout’s MAYHEM, whose bow was in the middle of CASCO MISS.
Up next was the Wooden Boat races, but there were only entrants in Wooden Boat B, which was won by Scott Dugas’ SAND DOLLARS III [41’Johns Bay Boat; 700-hp Caterpillar] with second going to his brother Alan’s DELUSIONAL [38’ John’s Bay Boat, 600-hp Cummins].
There were three boats signed up for the Gasoline Classes with one in Class C, Jim Koehling’s BROWN EYED GIRL [Duffy 26; 454-hp Chevrolet]; and two in Class D, Mark Davis’ DOWNEAST NIGHTMARE [Mussel Ridge 28; 1,000-hp Chevrolet] and Jeremy Saxton’s VOOP [Duffy 30; 502 Chevrolet]. VOOP did not make the start so BROWN EYED GIRL and DOWNEAST NIGHTMARE were sent down the course each getting the win in their respective classes.
Next up was the Diesel Classes and the only class without an entrant was Class O. There was just one racer, Riley Johnson’s LYNN MARIE [Sisu 26; 235-hp Isuzu], in Class A so he ran down with the two in Class B, which was won by Colby Barnes’ SAVAGE [Webber’s Cove 34; 225-hp John Deere] as Mark Davis’ LORI ANN [Duffy 34; 200-hp Perkins] turned off the course before the finish. There was just one entrant in Class C, Bruce Hamlin’s RUTHLESS [Mussel Ridge 28; 315-hp Yanmar], and Class D, Charles Johnson’s BRANDY [BHM 25; 270-hp Nanni], so they were combined with the two in Class E each getting the win in their respective classes. Randy Durkee’s AUDREY MAY [Holland 32; 425-hp Cummins] has been the boat to beat in Class E and today was no different as she outpaced Jake Dugas’ GUILTY PLEASURE [Mitchell Cove 32; 380-hp Cummins] for the win. There were two boats on the line for Class F and the win went to Scott Merryman’s KE II [Northern Bay 38; 405-hp Cummins] with Josh Audet’s KARAMEL [Crowley 34; 380-hp Hyundai] trailing by two boat lengths. Tom Cloutier’s ENTRAPMENT [Crowley 33; 490-hp Cummins] was the only one in Class G so she ran down with Class H. The winner of Class H was Nick Martinez’ PRETTY WOMAN [Calvin Beal 36; 510-hp Caterpillar] followed by Hunter Merryman’s WILDFIRE [Northern Bay 36; 450-hp Cummins]. There were two boats in Class I, Gary Genthner’s LIL’ LISA MARIE [Mussel Ridge 28; 600-hp FPT] and Chris Smith’s MISTY [Crowley Beal 33; 650 hp Scania]. It has been a close battle every time these two have met this year with the win going to LIL’ LISA MARIE and today was no different. Four boats were on the line for Diesel Class J and no one was surprised to see Heather Thompson’s GOLD DIGGER [Wayne Beal 36; 675-hp Scania] leading the pack to the finish. Carl Anderson’s DANICA HEALY [Calvin Beal 36; 675-hp Scania] took second and Sean Clemons’ MEAN KATHLEEN [Wayne Beal 36; 700-hp Scania] got third. Another pair that has faced off all year with some real close finishes has been Andrew Taylor’s BLUE EYED GIRL [Morgan Bay 38, 900-hp Scania] and Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] in Class K with the wins going to BLUE EYED GIRL. Added to Class K was the only entrant in Class L, Leif Albertson’s ALL SET [Holland 38, 1,200-hp MAN]. As they came up the course BLUE EYED GIRL got separation for the win with LA BELLA VITA right on her stern. The one boat in Class M(A), Justin Papkee’s PULL N’ PRAY [Wayne Beal 40; 500-hp Hyundai], was added to the five boats on the line for Class M(B). Leading the way to the finish was Chip Johnson’s FIVE STARS [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp Renault-Mack] followed by Matt Shepard’s ALEXSA ROSE [Morgan Bay 43; 750-hp John Deere]. We do not often see Andy Johnson’s WHISTLIN’ DIXIE [Holland 40; 1,000-hp Caterpillar], but once in a while she comes out to show that she is still the boat to beat in Class N. Second went to Tom Clemons’ 4 LADIES [Wesmac SW46; 1,000-hp Caterpillar].
In the Gasoline Free-for-All it was all DOWNEAST NIGHTMARE followed by BROWN EYED GIRL.
Eight boats were on the line for the Diesel Free-for-All and the finish was as expected: BLUE EYED GIRL, LA BELLA VITA and GOLD DIGGER.
There were no entrants in the Slowest Boat Race until Steve Johnson jumped in with HARRY N’ LARRY [34’ Dragger, 175-hp] and streaked up the course with a speed of 9.9 mph.
There was no entrant in the Novi Class even though there was a Novi or two there. The win, or even second, would have certainly netted them a lot more than the entry fee.
The winner of the final race of the day was anyone’s guess. The question was would DOWNEAST NIGHTMARE have enough to get by BLUE EYED GIRL? As they made their way up the course it was obvious that BLUE EYED GIRL had the lead with DOWNEAST NIGHTMARE right on her transom, which is how they finished. Third went to LA BELLA VITA.
The race committee was more than pleased with the move as Mitchell Field opens up a lot of options. My only thought was may be moving the course in closer and have the finish right off where the pier used to be so those on shore got a better view.
Just four races left! Next race will be at Winter Harbor on 13 August followed the next day by the Merritt Brackett Lobster Boat Races at Pemaquid on 14 August.
WINTER HARBOR LOBSTER BOAT RACES, 13 August
Last year we had more than our fair share of rain taking place on race day. However, this year has been much better. One could not ask for a more perfect day with bright sunshine and a nice light sou’west breeze. Sign-ups had begun Friday night and when sign-ups were closed Saturday morning, we had 100 entrants. There were just three racers in the Work Boat Class and two in the Gasoline Classes. All the diesel classes had more than one entrant, except one, which we combined with another. Usually there are a lot of boats over 40 feet, but there was not as many this year. The only class I had to break up was Diesel Class N as there were 22 racers entered.
We knew that Cameron Crawford’s WILD WILD WEST [West 28; 1,050-hp Isotta] would not be racing. Right around the first of August Glen Crawford was on his way into his shop, C&C Machine in Ellsworth, from his home in Lamoine on his motorcycle and he tangled with a deer. He was pretty banged up, including three breaks in his shoulder, which was going to need surgery. The boat needed some minor work to her cooling system, but that was now out of the question and she would be on the hard for the rest of the year. Jeremy Beal’s MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II [Wayne Beal 32; 1,000-hp Isotta] developed some mechanical issues when she set the record at Moosabec. He called to say that we needed to change the boat’s name to “Old Smokey.” He had made repairs but thought he should have replaced another of the pistons. He still planned to be there but was not sure just how long the engine would last.
The best battle of the day was between David Myrick’s JANICE ELAINE [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] and Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT]. JANICE ELAINE for the top spot.
After getting situated on the finish line racing began with a good number of spectator boats on either side of the course.
Three boats came to the line for the one Work Boat Class and Nathaniel Robinson’s DADDY DIDN’T BUY IT [Passamaquoddy 24; 250-hp Mariner] jumped right into the lead at the drop of the flag and went on for an easy win.
Just two boats were in the Gasoline Classes, one in Class B and the other in Class D. Roy Hadlock’s EMPTY POCKETS [Crowley 28; 350 Chevrolet] won Class B and Mark Freeman’s FOOLISH PLEASURE [30’ Custom Riley Beal; 650-hp 455 Stroker] won Class D.
Five boats were on the line for Diesel Class A with the win going to Brian Tredwell’s PRINCE OF PEACE II [West 28; 220 hp John Deere] followed over by Brandon Murphy’s BLACK THUNDAH II [Repco 30; 210-hp Cummins]. Six boats came to the line for Diesel Class B and Emmett Moshier’s MEGAN SUZANNE [Young Brothers 33; 210-hp Cummins] slipped by Kit Johnson’s MR. LUCKY [Duffy 35; 225-hp John Deere] right before the finish line. Seven boats came to the line in Diesel Class C and it was no surprise watching Roy Fagonde’s LAST DESIGN [E. Libby, Jr., 31; 300-hp Caterpillar] gain separation from the rest of the competition and get the win. Second went to Michaela Byer’s NAVIGATOR [Duffy 31; 315-hp Isuzu]. With the drop of the flag Ivan Libby’s WRECKING CREW [Libby 38; 305-hp Caterpillar] jumped right into the lead and never looked back. She was followed over by Conner Rossi’s ELLEN LOUISE [RP 35; 300-hp John Deere]. Three very competitive boats were entered in Diesel Class E, but the early favorite, who has been the dominate boat this year, had to be Randy Durkee’s AUDREY MAY [Holland 32; 425-hp Cummins], which did not disappoint. But right on her stern was Daniel Sawyer’s HIGH VOLTAGE [AJ-28; 400-hp Yanmar] followed by Allan Johnson’s CATHERINE ELIZABETH [AJ-28; 350-hp Yanmar]. Another dominate boat this year has been Winfred Alley’s FAITH MELLE [Libby 34; 425-hp Cummins] in Diesel Class F. He was facing off against five others, but none had enough to stave off his win. Second went to Brian Strout’s SUNSHINE CHALET [Mitchell Cove 35; 425-hp John Deere] followed by Colyn Rich’s RICH ENDEAVOR [Osmond 37; 430-hp Cummins]. The only entrant in Diesel Class G was Dana Beal’s RIGHT STUFF [Libby 34; 500 hp Cummins]. She has been the dominate boat the last several years in this class, but this is only her second race of the year. Dana has been racing his new boat, NATALIE E. [Libby 41; 1,000-hp FPT] for the most part. Seven boats were on the line for Diesel Class H and the win went to Willie Coomb’s MELYNDA M. [Wayne Beal 36; 500-hp FPT] took first followed by Dan Beal’s BETHANIE GRACE [Libby 38; 500-hp FPT]. Ryan Lemieux’s OBSESSION [Young Brothers 35; 450-hp Volvo] led the way to the finish line in Diesel Class I. Right on his transom was Colby Oakes’ TRIPLE X [Mitchell Cove 35, 650-hp Scania]. No one was surprised to Heather Thompson’s GOLD DIGGER [Wayne Beal 36; 675-hp Scania] led all other competitors in Diesel Class J to the finish line. Second went to Mac Kelley’s FIFTH GENERATION [Calvin Beal 36; 600-hp Caterpillar] followed by Nathaniel Thompson’s EASY MONEY [Calvin Beal 36; 600-hp Cummins]. Next up was Diesel Class K, which pitted the two top diesel boats together and then win went to David Myrick’s JANICE ELAINE [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] and Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] right on her transom. Jeremy Beal’s MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II [Wayne Beal 32; 1,000-hp Isotta] made her way down with Diesel Class J as she was the only entrant in Diesel Class L with a speed of 56 mph. One could see a little smoke coming from her exhaust, but it looked as though she would be good to go in the free-for-alls. Eight boats were on the line for Diesel Class M(A) and the top spot would be likely be between David Merchant’s MISS TONIA [Libby 41; 500-hp Cummins] and Chris Pope’s OLD SCHOOL [Holland 41; 380-hp Cummins]. When the flag dropped MISS TONIA slowly worked out into the lead followed by OLD SCHOOL and remained that way right to the finish. Right behind them there was a battle for third between Josh Trundy’s MISS REBECKA [Lowell 43; 750-hp John Deere] and Blake Alley’s PURPLE HAZE [Magna 45; 500-hp Caterpillar], which went to MISS REBECKA. There are three boats in Diesel Class M(B), Eric Beal’s KIMBERLY ANN [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp FPT]; Matt Shepard’s ALEXSA ROSE [Morgan Bay 43; 750-hp John Deere]; and Jason Chipman’s MISS MADELYN [Osmond 42; 700-hp Scania], which could win. Right from the start KIMBERLY ANN got the lead and never looked back with MISS MADELYN right on her stern, followed closely by ALEXSA ROSE. Now came the Diesel Class N, which had 22 entrants so it was split into two heats with the top three boats going to the finals. The top three in heat I were: Todd Pinkham’s TERRIE J. [South Shore 42; 750-hp FPT]; Dana Beal’s NATALIE E. [Libby 41; 1,000-hp FPT] and Aaron Beal’s NIGHT MOVES II [RP 40; 800-hp Scania]. In Heat II the top three were: Ken Geiger’s SHE’S ALL WET [Osmond 40; 800-hp Scania]; Mike Faulkingham’s CAPTAIN COLE [South Shore 42; 1,000-hp FPT]; and Jason West’s PIER PRESSURE [Osmond 40; 815-hp FPT]. This would be a good race, especially between NATALIE E. and TERRIE J. They had come up the course in Heat I side by side with the win going to TERRIE J. by half a boat length. They were side by side, but NATALIE E. just could not get by and they finished one two with the third going to PIER PRESSURE. Winter Harbor also adds in a race for the boats over 44 feet, which had seven boats on the line and this was won by Dixon Smith’s SIZE MATTERS [Libby 45’ 3”; 1,000-hp FPT] with Josh Beal’s KAYLA ANNE [Calvin Beal 44; 1,000-hp MAN] a close second.
There were no entrants in the Wooden Boat Classes, so next up was the Lady Skipper’s Race. The rule is that they must have a lobster license and fish the boat. All the money was on GOLD DIGGER and she did not disappoint with NAVIGATOR next followed by Robin Faulkingham’s 51 [Osmond 40, 700-hp FPT].
The only boat to come to the line in the Gasoline Free-for-All was FOOLISH PLEASURE.
Four boats came to the line for the Diesel Free-for-All and it was JANICE ELAINE first, followed by LA BELLA VITA and GOLD DIGGER.
All five from the Free-for-Alls came to the line for the Fastest Lobster Boat with the question being where would FOOLISH PLEASURE place. She was probably quicker out of the hole, but could she hold them off? She did for a while, but JANICE ELAINE and LA BELLA VITA slid by bow to bow and at the line LA BELLA VITA took the win by ten feet.
It was a fun day of racing and it was now onto the Merritt Brackett races at Pemaquid the next day.
MERRITT BRACKET LOBSTER BOAT RACES, 14 August
It was another perfect day. Again, bright sunny skies with a light sou’west breeze.
Sign-ups were steady and when done we had 59 entrants, with 26 of them in the three skiff classes.
Right in the middle of sign-ups Bruce Engert’s THUNDERBOLT [South Shore 30; 621 Chevrolet] tied to the dock after being towed over from Boothbay. Well, it looked like we were going to see just how fast she was. They briefly started her up and it was obvious that she certainly had a lot of power. However, just before we went out to race committee boat, I was informed that she had broke something when they tried her at the dock and they were not going to be able to fix it for the races.
Remember this is not a points race as they have different classes, which allows some to race against other boats they do not normally compete with.
Rumours run rampant regarding what is taking place around the lobster boat races. One I had heard is that Andrew Taylor’s BLUE EYED GIRL [Morgan Bay 38, 900-hp Scania] had developed an engine issue after Harpswell. Well, when he signed up to race, I asked him about that and he said no that was not true and he proved it on the racecourse.
Nine boats were on the line for the first race (Clamdigger and Lobster Pickers: Outboards 25 hp and under. Skiffs 16-feet and under), which was easily won by Jennifer and Emily Noyes’ JENILY [Corson 14; 30-hp Johnson]. Second went to Devon Carter’s LITTLE THING [14’ aluminum; 25-hp Yamaha] and third was Greg Carter’s QUICK ONE [14’ aluminum; 25-hp Yamaha]. Next up was a second skiff race (Clamdigger and Lobster Pickers: Outboards up to 70 hp. Skiffs over 16-feet) and no one was surprised to see David Noyes’ ZIPPIN’ [Corson 14; 60-hp Johnson] out in front being chased by Caleb Reed’s LITTLE E. [Mirrocraft; 25-hp Yamaha]. Eight boats were on the line for the last skiff race (Clamdiggers and Lobster Pickers: Inboards or outboards – 71-hp and over, Skiffs 16 feet and over). The lead boat was Jay Perrotta’s SLICE [Mako 20; 200-hp Suzuki], but he was racing just for fun. The winner was Ron Pottle’s DELUSIONAL [Corson 18; 225-hp Evinrude], with Jacob Noyes’ ZIPPIN’ TOO [Corson 15; 90-hp Nissan] second and Eben Lord’s TRICK OR TREAT [Sisu 22; 115-hp Evinrude] third.
There were no entrants in Four- and six-cylinder gas, 24 feet and over so it was onto Gas V-8 any cu. in. and under, 24-feet and over, which had just one entrant, Tony Eugley’s WANDA LOU [Repco 30; 455 ci Oldsmobile]. Since there was just one boat (Gary Clifford’s HARD TO FATHOM [RP 31; 350-hp Chevrolet]) in Gas V8 Modified they came down together with each getting the win in their respective class.
Three boats were on the line for the first Diesel Class race, Diesel 175 hp and under, 24-feet and over with the win going to Gregory Carter’s LITTLE R. & R. [26’; 140-hp Yanmar]. Second went to Caleb Sookey’s WET DREAM followed by Cole Poland’s RUSTY HOOK [32’; 150-hp]. Placing first in Diesel 176 to 210-hp was Matt Taylor’s C-GIRL [Flower’s 33, 200-hp John Deere] and Scott Poland’s REVA J. [33’ Poland; 200-hp Volvo] took second. Don Drisko and MERGANSER [33’ Calvin Beal Jr.; 230-hp Yanmar] knew they would have competition from Hunter Prentice’s OUTALINE [BHM 25; 240-hp Volvo] in Diesel 211 to 250-hp. It was bow to bow as they approached the finish line, but MERGANSER had creeped into the lead and slide over with half a boat length to spare. There was just one entrant in Diesel 251 to 350-hp, (Mariana Feltis’ MATT & PAT [Stanley 36; 300-hp 3116 Caterpillar] so she ran up with the four boats in Diesel 351 to 450-hp. The winner of Diesel 351 to 450-hp was Merritt Walton’s OVERTIME followed by Lea Moore’s EVERLEE & OAKLEE. The Diesel 451 to 650-hp, 28 feet and over race pitted Gary Genthner’s LIL’ LISA MARIE [Mussel Ridge 28; 600-hp FPT] against David Osgood’ SPLIT SECOND [Crowley Beal 33; 550-hp D-8 Volvo], which was won by LIL’ LISA MARIE by over a boat length. Stephen Osgood’s SHOOTING STAR [Northern Bay 36; 750-hp John Deere] was in the next race, Diesel 651 to 800-hp, and he led Spencer Dyer’s THE CHAIN [Holland 38; 410-hp Sisu] to the finish. Andrew Taylor’s BLUE EYED GIRL [Morgan Bay 38, 900-hp Scania] was on the line and was facing Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] and when the flag dropped jumped right into the lead and never looked back. The was just one entrant, Eben Wilson’s LETTIE ELISE [Young Brothers 45; 650-hp Volvo], in Diesel up to 650-hp, 40 feet and over so she ran down with the three entrants in Diesel 651 to 800, 40 feet and over. LETTIE ELISE got the win in her race and Adam Gamage’s TORY LYN [Young Brothers 40; 750-hp John Deere] took first in Diesel 651 to 800, 40 feet and over. Second went to Donald Wotton’s RED LADY II [Flowers 43; 750-hp John Deere] followed by Jason Lord’s AVA LUCILLE [Calvin Beal 42; 700-hp Volvo]. Three boats were entered for the Diesel, 801-hp and over, 40 feet and over and this was won by Chip Johnson’s FIVE STARS [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp Renault-Mack] with second going to Tom Clemons’ 4 LADIES [Wesmac SW46; 1,000-hp Caterpillar].
The winner of the Novi Race was Kyle Westhaver’s HIGHLANDER [32’ Novi; 300-hp John Deere].
Just two boats were on the line for the wooden boat race, which was won by MERGANSER followed by REVA J.
The winner of the Gasoline Free-for-All was WANDA LOU.
Four boats were lined for the start of the Diesel Free-for-All with the win going to BLUE EYED GIRL, followed by LA BELLA VITA and FIVE STARS.
The final race of the day was Fastest Lobster Boat and it ended up with the same results as the Diesel Free-for-All.
There are just two races left, Long Island and Portland (20 and 21 August respectively). These are certainly two of the most fun events of the summer starting with a cookout on Long Island on Friday evening, the Long Island Races about 1400 on Saturday, a get together at the Island Lobster Company on Peak’s Island and ending with the tugboat races right after the conclusion of the Portland Lobster Boat Races on Sunday. Hope to see you there!
