The Bass Harbor races are one the venues racers like to go to. In the past they have come from all around Penobscot Bay and down as far as Jonesport and today was no different. Despite the dense fog racers came from Deer Isle, Islesboro, Jonesport, Milbridge, Stonington and Vinalhaven. As I was finishing the sign ups we could see across the harbor and out to the finish line. There was hope! As we made our way out to the finish line I finished adding in the late arrivals and we had 40 entrants, which was really good. Once on the barge at the finish line the middle of the course had pretty dense fog. We could see across the course, but we could not see the starting line. Fortunately, it slowly lifted, but it looked like it could come back in at any moment.
There were just two boats in the Work Boat Classes, one in Class A (Skiffs 16-feet and under with outboards up to 30 hp, Operator 18 years and younger) and one in Class C (Inboards, outboards or outdrives 91hp and over), so they were run down together each getting the win in their respective classes. The winner of Class A was Hunter Oakes in his 13-foot Boston Whaler with a 25-hp Yamaha from North Haven. The winner of Class C was Nathaniel Robertson’s DADDY DIDN’T BUY IT [Passamaquoddy 24; 250-hp Yamaha].
Next up was the Gasoline Classes. There has not been very good participation so far this year mostly due to boats not being ready. We have not seen any of the big, loud racers yet and by the rumours floating around the racing scene we may not. Of the five gas classes there was just one boat entered, Roy Hadlock’s EMPTY POCKETS [Crowley 28; 350 Chevrolet] and that was in Class B (V8, Up to 375 cid, 24 feet and over).
The Diesel Classes were next and there was no entrants in just Class O (Non-working boats, any length, any horsepower). However, there were several with just one or two entrants and where possible we combined races. The only entrant in Class A (up to 235 hp, 24-31 feet) was Jacob Kirby’s BARE BOTTOM [BHM 25, 220-hp John Deere] so he ran down with Class B (up to 235 hp, 32 feet and over). There were three boats on the line for Class B and it was a battle of the 210s. Wayne Rich’s RICH RETURN [38’ Robert Rich; 210-hp Cummins] led the competition up the course with Daniel Closson’s NEVER ENOUGH [Newman 36; 210-hp Cummins] right on his stern, for second. Placing third was Brian Gordius’ SUN DANCER [Stanley 36, 210-hp Caterpillar]. Three boats were on the line for Class C (236 to 335 hp, 24 to 33 feet) and all the way from Jonesport Roy Fagonde’s LAST DESIGN [E. Libby, Jr., 31; 300-hp Caterpillar] took the top spot. He was followed over by Pat Hanley’s MICHAEL ALLAN [Mitchell Cove 32; 300-hp Cummins] in second and Ryan Mitchell’s HANNAH PEARL [BHM 28; 265-hp John Deere] third. Class D (236-335 hp, 34 feet and over) had two boats entered and they ran down with Class C. The winner of Class D was Shawn Stanley’s MISS MARGO [Mitchell Cove 35; 300-hp John Deere] and second went to Colyn Rich’s RICH ENDEAVOR [Osmond 37; 430-hp Cummins]. Class E (336 to 435 hp, 24-33 feet) had three boats entered and it was going to be a close one between Danny Eaton’s DESTINY [Crowley 28; 420-hp Yanmar] and Randy Durkee’s AUDREY MAY [Holland 32; 425-hp Cummins] and it did not disappoint. As they came up the course DESTINY had the advantage, but as they neared the line AUDREY MAY kept gaining, but fell just short. Colyn Rich, who was starting the races, said he did think it was a fair start and called for a rerun. On their second run it was another close one right to the line and the judges all agreed it was too close to call so they both got first. Third went to Jim Gordius’ HOLEMJEN [Mitchell Cove 32; 375-hp John Deere]. There was just one entrant in Class F (336-435 hp, 34 feet and over), Winfred Alley’s FAITH MELLE [Libby 34; 425-hp Cummins] so he ran down with the two boats in Class G (436 to 550 hp, 28-35 feet). David Osgood’s SPLIT SECOND [Crowley Beal 33; 550-hp D-8 Volvo] came over from Vinalhaven and was the boat to beat in Class G and it was a good race between she and FAITH MELLE, but at the line it was FAITH MELLE by two boat lengths. SPLIT SECOND took first in Class G and second went to George Lawson, Jr.’s MISS BETH III [Mitchell Cove 35; 550-hp John Deere]. There were four boats on the line for Class H (436 to 550 hp, 36 feet and over) and when the flag dropped Willie Coombs’ MELYNDA M. [Wayne Beal 36; 500-hp FPT] from Prospect Harbor jumped into the lead and never looked back. Right on his stern was Josef Guptil’s INDIAN OUTLAW [Northern Bay 38; 500-hp Cummins] from Jonesport followed by Broddie Eaton’s FALLEN ANGEL [Calvin Beal 36; 530-hp FPT] from Stonington. There were two boats in Class I (551 to 700 hp, 28-35 feet) and one in Class J (551 to 700 hp, 36 feet and over) so they were run together. Colby Oakes’ TRIPLE X [Mitchell Cove 35, 650-hp Scania] from North Haven led all others to the finish line for the win in Class I with Travis Lunt’s STEPPIN UP [Mitchell Cove 35; 580-hp FPT] from Bass Harbor just behind him for second. Carroll Staples’ GOOSE [Mitchell Cove 37; 650-hp Volvo] was just behind the other two for the win in Class J. Again, there were two entrants in Class K (701 to 900 hp, 28 feet and over) and one in Class L (901 hp and over, 28 feet and over) so they were run together. In Class L was Jeremy Beal’s MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II [Wayne Beal 32; 1,000-hp Isotta] and no one was going to get by him unless he developed an engine issue. Now, the two entrants in Class K was Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] and Nick Wiberg’s WITCHING HOUR [Northern Bay 36, 815-hp] and this was going to be good race. When the flag dropped MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II jumped right into the lead on the left side of the course. LA BELLA VITA was on the right side and slowed then turned and headed back to the starting line. WITCHING HOUR after crossing the finish line headed back and the race was run again. This time LA BELLA VITA looked like he had the advantage about halfway up the course over WITCHING HOUR, but just barely. At the line it was LA BELLA VITA by a boat length for the win. First place in Diesel Class M(A) (40 feet and over, up to 500 hp) was Allan Knowlton’s SEA URCHIN [Young Brothers 45, 425-hp John Deere] from South Thomaston followed by Boomer Carroll’s SHADY LADY [Calvin Beal 42; 450-hp Cummins] from Southwest Harbor. Six boats were on the line for Class M(B) (40 feet and over, 501 to 750 hp) and no one was surprised when Eric Beal’s KIMBERLY ANN [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp FPT] from Milbridge got the win followed by Matt Shepard’s ALEXSA ROSE [Morgan Bay 43; 750-hp John Deere] from Stonington. Third went to Patrick Hanley’s SOPHIE MACK [Young Brothers 40; 610-hp Volvo] of Bass Harbor. In Class N (40 feet and over, 751hp and over) three boats were on the line and it was all Dana Beal’s NATALIE E. [Libby 41; 1,000-hp FPT] of Beals Island slipping over the line in first. He was followed by Bill Haass’ 44 OVER [Mussel Ridge 42; 1,000-hp MAN] and then Jason Gordius’ MISS BEHAVIN’ AGAIN [Duffy 42, 800-hp Caterpillar].
There were no entrants in Wooden Boat A, under 36-feet, but there were two boats on the line for Wooden Boat B, which was won by Jon Johansen’s SARI ANN I [40’ Johns Bay Boat, 375-hp 3208 Caterpillar] from Winterport with second going to RICH RETURNS.
No one came out for the Gasoline Free-for-All, but there were seven boats on the line for the Diesel Free-for-All. There was no surprise to see MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II streaking up the left side of the course in first. The real battle was for second between LA BELLA VITA and WITCHING HOUR with LA BELLA VITA sliding over in second with WITCHING HOUR back just by a boat length in third.
The top three boats in the Diesel Free-for-All headed back down for the Fastest Lobster Boat Race with the same results.
The final race of the day was Bass Harbor’s Fastest Lobster Boat with seven boats entered. The winner was GOOSE, followed by STEPPIN’ UP and SOPHIE MACK.
The racers gathered on the Bernard Town Dock for lunch and prizes. While there I got in a great conversion with Nick Wiberg over the races. We talked about how to get more racers to compete, maybe a large year end prize; changing the classes due to the new engines now on the market; and making a change to the Fastest Lobster Boat Race, by splitting the race and adding a Fastest Working and Fastest Recreational Lobster Boat Race and then a Fastest Lobster Boat.
It is now onto Moosabec Reach this Saturday and we are all hoping the fog stays away.
* * * * *
BASS HARBOR – At 0500 on the morning of the race I stood on the Town Dock in Bernard and was surrounded by dense fog. It looked ominous, but a couple of fishermen said that it would lift about the time we were to start. As I was doing the sign-ins people, who came in by car, said that it was lifting all around us. There is no rain day for this race, Colyn Rich, who heads the race committee, said it was going to happen no matter what. We joked about shortening the course until you could see both ends of the course or just drawing the prizes and going home. Fortunately, mother nature allowed us to get them in.
The Bass Harbor races are one the venues racers like to go to. In the past they have come from all around Penobscot Bay and down as far as Jonesport and today was no different. Despite the dense fog racers came from Deer Isle, Islesboro, Jonesport, Milbridge, Stonington and Vinalhaven. As I was finishing the sign ups we could see across the harbor and out to the finish line. There was hope! As we made our way out to the finish line I finished adding in the late arrivals and we had 40 entrants, which was really good. Once on the barge at the finish line the middle of the course had pretty dense fog. We could see across the course, but we could not see the starting line. Fortunately, it slowly lifted, but it looked like it could come back in at any moment.
There were just two boats in the Work Boat Classes, one in Class A (Skiffs 16-feet and under with outboards up to 30 hp, Operator 18 years and younger) and one in Class C (Inboards, outboards or outdrives 91hp and over), so they were run down together each getting the win in their respective classes. The winner of Class A was Hunter Oakes in his 13-foot Boston Whaler with a 25-hp Yamaha from North Haven. The winner of Class C was Nathaniel Robertson’s DADDY DIDN’T BUY IT [Passamaquoddy 24; 250-hp Yamaha].
Next up was the Gasoline Classes. There has not been very good participation so far this year mostly due to boats not being ready. We have not seen any of the big, loud racers yet and by the rumours floating around the racing scene we may not. Of the five gas classes there was just one boat entered, Roy Hadlock’s EMPTY POCKETS [Crowley 28; 350 Chevrolet] and that was in Class B (V8, Up to 375 cid, 24 feet and over).
The Diesel Classes were next and there was no entrants in just Class O (Non-working boats, any length, any horsepower). However, there were several with just one or two entrants and where possible we combined races. The only entrant in Class A (up to 235 hp, 24-31 feet) was Jacob Kirby’s BARE BOTTOM [BHM 25, 220-hp John Deere] so he ran down with Class B (up to 235 hp, 32 feet and over). There were three boats on the line for Class B and it was a battle of the 210s. Wayne Rich’s RICH RETURN [38’ Robert Rich; 210-hp Cummins] led the competition up the course with Daniel Closson’s NEVER ENOUGH [Newman 36; 210-hp Cummins] right on his stern, for second. Placing third was Brian Gordius’ SUN DANCER [Stanley 36, 210-hp Caterpillar]. Three boats were on the line for Class C (236 to 335 hp, 24 to 33 feet) and all the way from Jonesport Roy Fagonde’s LAST DESIGN [E. Libby, Jr., 31; 300-hp Caterpillar] took the top spot. He was followed over by Pat Hanley’s MICHAEL ALLAN [Mitchell Cove 32; 300-hp Cummins] in second and Ryan Mitchell’s HANNAH PEARL [BHM 28; 265-hp John Deere] third. Class D (236-335 hp, 34 feet and over) had two boats entered and they ran down with Class C. The winner of Class D was Shawn Stanley’s MISS MARGO [Mitchell Cove 35; 300-hp John Deere] and second went to Colyn Rich’s RICH ENDEAVOR [Osmond 37; 430-hp Cummins]. Class E (336 to 435 hp, 24-33 feet) had three boats entered and it was going to be a close one between Danny Eaton’s DESTINY [Crowley 28; 420-hp Yanmar] and Randy Durkee’s AUDREY MAY [Holland 32; 425-hp Cummins] and it did not disappoint. As they came up the course DESTINY had the advantage, but as they neared the line AUDREY MAY kept gaining, but fell just short. Colyn Rich, who was starting the races, said he did think it was a fair start and called for a rerun. On their second run it was another close one right to the line and the judges all agreed it was too close to call so they both got first. Third went to Jim Gordius’ HOLEMJEN [Mitchell Cove 32; 375-hp John Deere]. There was just one entrant in Class F (336-435 hp, 34 feet and over), Winfred Alley’s FAITH MELLE [Libby 34; 425-hp Cummins] so he ran down with the two boats in Class G (436 to 550 hp, 28-35 feet). David Osgood’s SPLIT SECOND [Crowley Beal 33; 550-hp D-8 Volvo] came over from Vinalhaven and was the boat to beat in Class G and it was a good race between she and FAITH MELLE, but at the line it was FAITH MELLE by two boat lengths. SPLIT SECOND took first in Class G and second went to George Lawson, Jr.’s MISS BETH III [Mitchell Cove 35; 550-hp John Deere]. There were four boats on the line for Class H (436 to 550 hp, 36 feet and over) and when the flag dropped Willie Coombs’ MELYNDA M. [Wayne Beal 36; 500-hp FPT] from Prospect Harbor jumped into the lead and never looked back. Right on his stern was Josef Guptil’s INDIAN OUTLAW [Northern Bay 38; 500-hp Cummins] from Jonesport followed by Broddie Eaton’s FALLEN ANGEL [Calvin Beal 36; 530-hp FPT] from Stonington. There were two boats in Class I (551 to 700 hp, 28-35 feet) and one in Class J (551 to 700 hp, 36 feet and over) so they were run together. Colby Oakes’ TRIPLE X [Mitchell Cove 35, 650-hp Scania] from North Haven led all others to the finish line for the win in Class I with Travis Lunt’s STEPPIN UP [Mitchell Cove 35; 580-hp FPT] from Bass Harbor just behind him for second. Carroll Staples’ GOOSE [Mitchell Cove 37; 650-hp Volvo] was just behind the other two for the win in Class J. Again, there were two entrants in Class K (701 to 900 hp, 28 feet and over) and one in Class L (901 hp and over, 28 feet and over) so they were run together. In Class L was Jeremy Beal’s MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II [Wayne Beal 32; 1,000-hp Isotta] and no one was going to get by him unless he developed an engine issue. Now, the two entrants in Class K was Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] and Nick Wiberg’s WITCHING HOUR [Northern Bay 36, 815-hp] and this was going to be good race. When the flag dropped MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II jumped right into the lead on the left side of the course. LA BELLA VITA was on the right side and slowed then turned and headed back to the starting line. WITCHING HOUR after crossing the finish line headed back and the race was run again. This time LA BELLA VITA looked like he had the advantage about halfway up the course over WITCHING HOUR, but just barely. At the line it was LA BELLA VITA by a boat length for the win. First place in Diesel Class M(A) (40 feet and over, up to 500 hp) was Allan Knowlton’s SEA URCHIN [Young Brothers 45, 425-hp John Deere] from South Thomaston followed by Boomer Carroll’s SHADY LADY [Calvin Beal 42; 450-hp Cummins] from Southwest Harbor. Six boats were on the line for Class M(B) (40 feet and over, 501 to 750 hp) and no one was surprised when Eric Beal’s KIMBERLY ANN [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp FPT] from Milbridge got the win followed by Matt Shepard’s ALEXSA ROSE [Morgan Bay 43; 750-hp John Deere] from Stonington. Third went to Patrick Hanley’s SOPHIE MACK [Young Brothers 40; 610-hp Volvo] of Bass Harbor. In Class N (40 feet and over, 751hp and over) three boats were on the line and it was all Dana Beal’s NATALIE E. [Libby 41; 1,000-hp FPT] of Beals Island slipping over the line in first. He was followed by Bill Haass’ 44 OVER [Mussel Ridge 42; 1,000-hp MAN] and then Jason Gordius’ MISS BEHAVIN’ AGAIN [Duffy 42, 800-hp Caterpillar].
There were no entrants in Wooden Boat A, under 36-feet, but there were two boats on the line for Wooden Boat B, which was won by Jon Johansen’s SARI ANN I [40’ Johns Bay Boat, 375-hp 3208 Caterpillar] from Winterport with second going to RICH RETURNS.
No one came out for the Gasoline Free-for-All, but there were seven boats on the line for the Diesel Free-for-All. There was no surprise to see MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II streaking up the left side of the course in first. The real battle was for second between LA BELLA VITA and WITCHING HOUR with LA BELLA VITA sliding over in second with WITCHING HOUR back just by a boat length in third.
The top three boats in the Diesel Free-for-All headed back down for the Fastest Lobster Boat Race with the same results.
The final race of the day was Bass Harbor’s Fastest Lobster Boat with seven boats entered. The winner was GOOSE, followed by STEPPIN’ UP and SOPHIE MACK.
The racers gathered on the Bernard Town Dock for lunch and prizes. While there I got in a great conversion with Nick Wiberg over the races. We talked about how to get more racers to compete, maybe a large year end prize; changing the classes due to the new engines now on the market; and making a change to the Fastest Lobster Boat Race, by splitting the race and adding a Fastest Working and Fastest Recreational Lobster Boat Race and then a Fastest Lobster Boat.
It is now onto Moosabec Reach this Saturday and we are all hoping the fog stays away.
STONINGTON – 0430 came early on the morning of the Stonington Lobster Boat Races (Sunday 9 July). I made the Searsport dock at 0530 and Travis Otis’ FIRST TEAM, Ed Upham’s BLACK MAGIC and my CINDY JEN headed down the bay for the races. Fog was not too bad all the way to Stonington, but I am sure it kept some at home. We arrived at the Town Dock just after 0800 and that worried the race committee a little. Most venues do not think that they could run the races without me, but that is not true. I will say that it does make their life easier and one less thing to worry about when running these races is good. Once the computer and printer were set up sign ups were in full swing.
Jeff Eaton and crew had agreed to take over the races after last year. He had run the races more than 15 years ago and made some significant changes. He brought back the dance on Saturday night, which was packed, moved sign-ups back to the Town Dock, brought in a number of vendors for food and collected a vast amount of prizes.
Sign-ups were steady and when done we had 71 entrants. I am sure that more would have been there had there been no fog.
There first three races were for Work Boats under 24 feet in length. Seven boats were on the line for Work Boat Class A (16-feet and under with outboards up to 30 hp, Operator 16 years and younger) and jumping instantly into the lead at the drop of the flag, Haven Ciomei’s ESSIE GRACE [Holland 14; 25-hp Yamaha] from Deer Isle lead the others to the finish line with a speed of 26.3 mph. She was followed over the line by Landin Douglass’ GRAY GHOST [Corson 14; 25-hp Yamaha] from Brooksville, followed by Allan Morgan’s SHIT HAPPENS [Holland 14; 25-hp Yamaha] from Stonington. All the way from Freeport Mason Vintinner’s SCREAM TIME [Corson 16; 90-hp Mercury] showed the way to the finish line in Work Boat Class B (Inboards, outboards or outdrives, 31 to 90 hp) with a speed of 42.7 mph. Joe Grego’s JOE WHO [MFG 16½’; 60-hp Yamaha] came across in second and third went to Jeff Douglass at the helm of GRAY GHOST [Corson 14; 25-hp Yamaha]. It was another win for Nathaniel Robertson’s DADDY DIDN’T BUY IT [Passamaquoddy 24; 250-hp Yamaha] of Jonesport in Work Boat Class C (Inboards, outboards or outdrives, 90-hp and over) with a speed of 39 mph. Noah Williams’ RED RIDER [Wayne Beal 23; 150-hp Yamaha] of Deer Isle took second and Blake Zlotkowski’s HARD 2 GET [Mitchell Cove 22; 115-hp] got third.
Next up was the John’s Bay Boat Co. Race, which had three boats on the line. When they reached halfway the advantage went to Ben Weed’s EMMA & ANDREW [John’s Bay 44; 700-hp Caterpillar] over Vance Bunker’s SARI ANN [42’Johns Bay Boat; 660-hp Volvo]. SARI ANN continued to gain and slipped across the finish line in first. Third went to John Williams’ KHRISTY MICHELLE.
There were only three boats in the five Gasoline classes, each in a separate class so they were run together each getting the win in their respective classes. For the first time, Mike Dassatt brought out SAVING GRACE [Holland 32; 450-hp, 460 Ford] and it was wondered how she would fair against Lindsay Durkee’s BLACK DIAMOND [Holland 32, 454 Chevrolet], identical boats and about the same horsepower. As they neared the midway mark it was close with SAVING GRACE in front by a boat length and getting the win with a real close finish. BLACK DIAMOND won Gasoline Class C (V-8, 376 to 525cid, 24 to 29 feet); SAVING GRACE won Gasoline Class D (V-8, 376 and over, 28 feet and over) and a distant third came the winner of Gasoline Class A (4 & 6 cylinder 24 feet and over) CINDY JEN [34’ Clinton Beal, 1964; 292 Chevrolet] skippered by Alonzo Alley.
Next up was the Wooden Boat Races. CINDY JEN was the only one in Class A (Any hp, up to 35’11”) and EMMA & ANDREW [John’s Bay 44; 700-hp Caterpillar] was the only entrant in Class B (Any hp, 36’ and over). They were sent down together with each getting the win in their class.
Richard Quinn’s PRIORITIES [Novi 28’; 210-hp Cummins] was signed up for the next two races, Novi Class and Diesel Class A (Up to 235 hp, 24 to 31 feet). Since he was the only one in the Novi Class he would run down for that win, but Ed Upham’s BLACK MAGIC [Nauset 27; 135-hp Perkins] from Searsport got the win in Diesel Class A. Also running down with them was the only entrant in Diesel Class B (Up to 235 hp, 32 feet to 39 feet 11 inches), which was Brantley Ciomei’s SEA TRIALS [Osmond 32; 220-hp John Deere]. There was one entrant in Diesel Class C (236 to 335 hp, 24 to 33 feet), Roy Fagonde’s LAST DESIGN [E. Libby, Jr., 31; 300-hp Caterpillar], and he raced down against the two boats in Diesel Class D (236 to 335 hp, 34 feet to 39 feet 11 inches), which was won by Dan Carter’s OUTNUMBERED [Duffy 35; 300-hp John Deere] with Robin Dunham’s SAMANTHA ERIN [Duffy 35; 315-hp Cummins] second. Danny Eaton’s DESTINY [Crowley 28; 420-hp Yanmar] has been given Randy Durkee’s AUDREY MAY [Holland 32; 425-hp Cummins] a run for her money in Diesel Class E (336 to 435 hp, 24 to 33 feet), but to date just has not been able to get by her. Most knew that this was going to be one of the races to watch and it did not disappoint. When they hit the midway point DESTINY had a half a boat length lead over AUDREY MAY and held it all the way to the finish line getting her first win of the year. Third went to Ron Eaton’s GLORY BOUND [Wayne Beal 28, 420-hp FPT]. Eight boats were on the line for Diesel Class F (336 to 435 hp, 34 feet to 39 feet 11 inches) and no one was surprised when they saw Winfred Alley’s FAITH MELLE [Libby 34; 425-hp Cummins] leading all eight contenders to the finish with a speed of 40.1 mph. Second went to Royce Fifield’s CALYPSO [Crowley Beal 33; 420-hp Cummins] followed by Bennett Gray’s BABA BUOY [South Shore 34; 300-hp Caterpillar]. The only entry in Diesel Class G (436 to 550 hp, 28 to 35 feet) was David Osgood’s SPLIT SECOND [Crowley Beal 33; 550-hp D-8 Volvo] from Vinalhaven so she ran up with Diesel Class H. split second lead the field to the finish, but who was going to get the win in Diesel Class H (436 to 550 hp, 36 feet to 39 feet 11 inches)? Willie Coombs’ MELYNDA M. [Wayne Beal 36; 500-hp FPT] has been the dominate boat in Diesel Class H, but today she was bested by Jeremy Tyler’s ALL IN [Northern Bay 38, 510 hp Volvo] as they finished one-two. Third went to Jeremiah McDonald’s MARGARET ANN [Calvin Beal 36; 550-hp Nanni]. For the last couple of years there has been a battle between Gary Genthner’s LIL’ LISA MARIE [Mussel Ridge 28; 600-hp FPT] and Chris Smith’s MISTY [Crowley Beal 33; 650 hp Scania] with LIL’ LISA MARIE being the dominate boat in Diesel Class I (551 to 700 hp, 28 to 35 feet). With the drop of the flag LIL’ LISA MARIE was off with MISTY right on her transom, but just could not catch her. Third went to Colby Oakes’ TRIPLE X [Mitchell Cove 35, 650-hp Scania]. Heather Thompson’s GOLD DIGGER [Wayne Beal 36; 675-hp Scania] was the boat to beat in Diesel Class J (551 to 700 hp, 36 feet to 39 feet 11 inches), but she has only signed up once so far this year, which was at Moosabec. There were four boats at the starting line and Scott Keenan’s DEAR ABBIE [Northern Bay 38, 700 hp Volvo] got the win with a speed of 34.8 mph. Second went to Jason McDonald’s HARD GOINS [Holland 38, 670-hp Cummins] and third was Eric Robbins’ SLEEPLESS NIGHTS [Calvin Beal 36; 675-hp Scania]. It has been good to see the return of Nick Wiberg and WITCHING HOUR [Northern Bay 36; 815-hp], the former UNCLE’S UFO/MISS KATIE, and the racing between Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] in Diesel Class K (701 to 900 hp, 28 feet to 39 feet 11 inches). There is not much difference between the two and the result is real close racing from start to finish. At halfway LA BELLA VITA had the edge by a boat length and held on for the win. There was no question that the fastest boat at Stonington was Jeremy Beal’s MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II [Wayne Beal 32; 1,000-hp Isotta] from Jonesport entered in Diesel Class L (901 hp and over, 28 feet to 39 feet 11 inches). She would face off against James Nelson’s LESS THAN KNOT [Libby 34; 1,000-hp Isotta], which is fast, but does not seem to be dailed in and thus did not have enough to get by MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II. There were three entrants in Diesel Class M(A) (40 feet and over, up to 500 hp) John Williams’ KHRISTY MICHELLE [44’ Johns Bay; 500-hp Cummins], Alan Knowlton’s SEA URCHIN [Young Brothers 45, 425-hp John Deere] and Chris Pope’s OLD SCHOOL [Holland 41; 380-hp Cummins] and when the flag dropped they came up the course bow to bow. However, just before midway you could hear one add more throttle and OLD SCHOOL slowly worked her way out in front followed by SEA URCHIN and then KHRISTY MICHELLE. One of the best looking boats has got to be Eric Beal’s KIMBERLY ANN [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp FPT] from Milbridge, the dominate in Diesel Class M(B) (40 feet and over, 501 to 750 hp). He jumped right into the lead with Matt Shepard’s ALEXSA ROSE [Morgan Bay 43; 750-hp John Deere] right on his stern. Third went to Fred Herson’s BELLA GRACE [Sargent 42; 750-hp John Deere]. Another great battle this year has been in Diesel Class N (40 feet and over, 750 hp and over) between Dana Beal’s NATALIE E. [Libby 41; 1,000-hp FPT] and Ryan Lemieux’s OBSESSION [Young Brothers 40; 1,000-hp Caterpillar]. Today was no different and as they neared midway they were bow to bow with a slight advantage going to NATALIE E., which is how they finished.
The next race was the Gasoline Free-for-All and the three gas boats were on the line. This was going to be another great race between BLACK DIAMOND and SAVING GRACE and it did not disappoint. You could tell when the flag fell as the throttles got pushed the engine on SAVING GRACE screamed out her stacks. Up the course they came, side by side and it was so close we had to wait for the announcement, which stated the winner SAVING GRACE with BLACK DIAMOND second. However, SAVING GRACE was smoking out the port exhaust pipe, meaning she had lost a head gasket. Fortunately it was not more serious than that and she was repaired a couple of days later and back out fishing.
There were nine boats on the line for the Diesel Free-for-All. No one was going to bet against MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II and it was a good thing as she jumped right into the lead and never looked back. The big question was who would get second and that went to LESS THAN KNOT followed by WITCHING HOUR. What happened to LA BELLA VITA? Just after the flag was dropped she powered up, but then the engine threw a code and slowed to almost a stop. Instead of heading for the finish she did a U-turn and headed back to the starting line for the next race.
Winning the Andrew Gove Memorial Cup – Fastest Working Lobster Boat is a big deal. Six boats were on the line for this race and the betters would favour LA BELLA VITA. As the leaders hit the halfway point LA BELLA VITA was bow to bow with WITCHING HOUR and by the time they slid over the finish line it was WITCHING HOUR getting the win, with LA BELLA VITA second and FAITH MELLE third.
There was just one race left, Fastest Boat Afloat, and again no one was surprised to see MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II leading the rest up the course. She was followed by LA BELLA VITA and then WITCHING HOUR.
After lunch and the prize ceremony on the town dock, the day of racing came to an end. Jeff Eaton and his crew, did an incredible job. Mid-week people were still talking about just how good the races were this year and that will likely translate into more racers coming next year. Jeff is already planning for a bigger event with a huge prize and I am sure he is going to get it.
STONINGTON – 0430 came early on the morning of the Stonington Lobster Boat Races (Sunday 9 July). I made the Searsport dock at 0530 and Travis Otis’ FIRST TEAM, Ed Upham’s BLACK MAGIC and my CINDY JEN headed down the bay for the races. Fog was not too bad all the way to Stonington, but I am sure it kept some at home. We arrived at the Town Dock just after 0800 and that worried the race committee a little. Most venues do not think that they could run the races without me, but that is not true. I will say that it does make their life easier and one less thing to worry about when running these races is good. Once the computer and printer were set up sign ups were in full swing.
Jeff Eaton and crew had agreed to take over the races after last year. He had run the races more than 15 years ago and made some significant changes. He brought back the dance on Saturday night, which was packed, moved sign-ups back to the Town Dock, brought in a number of vendors for food and collected a vast amount of prizes.
Sign-ups were steady and when done we had 71 entrants. I am sure that more would have been there had there been no fog.
There first three races were for Work Boats under 24 feet in length. Seven boats were on the line for Work Boat Class A (16-feet and under with outboards up to 30 hp, Operator 16 years and younger) and jumping instantly into the lead at the drop of the flag, Haven Ciomei’s ESSIE GRACE [Holland 14; 25-hp Yamaha] from Deer Isle lead the others to the finish line with a speed of 26.3 mph. She was followed over the line by Landin Douglass’ GRAY GHOST [Corson 14; 25-hp Yamaha] from Brooksville, followed by Allan Morgan’s SHIT HAPPENS [Holland 14; 25-hp Yamaha] from Stonington. All the way from Freeport Mason Vintinner’s SCREAM TIME [Corson 16; 90-hp Mercury] showed the way to the finish line in Work Boat Class B (Inboards, outboards or outdrives, 31 to 90 hp) with a speed of 42.7 mph. Joe Grego’s JOE WHO [MFG 16½’; 60-hp Yamaha] came across in second and third went to Jeff Douglass at the helm of GRAY GHOST [Corson 14; 25-hp Yamaha]. It was another win for Nathaniel Robertson’s DADDY DIDN’T BUY IT [Passamaquoddy 24; 250-hp Yamaha] of Jonesport in Work Boat Class C (Inboards, outboards or outdrives, 90-hp and over) with a speed of 39 mph. Noah Williams’ RED RIDER [Wayne Beal 23; 150-hp Yamaha] of Deer Isle took second and Blake Zlotkowski’s HARD 2 GET [Mitchell Cove 22; 115-hp] got third.
Next up was the John’s Bay Boat Co. Race, which had three boats on the line. When they reached halfway the advantage went to Ben Weed’s EMMA & ANDREW [John’s Bay 44; 700-hp Caterpillar] over Vance Bunker’s SARI ANN [42’Johns Bay Boat; 660-hp Volvo]. SARI ANN continued to gain and slipped across the finish line in first. Third went to John Williams’ KHRISTY MICHELLE.
There were only three boats in the five Gasoline classes, each in a separate class so they were run together each getting the win in their respective classes. For the first time, Mike Dassatt brought out SAVING GRACE [Holland 32; 450-hp, 460 Ford] and it was wondered how she would fair against Lindsay Durkee’s BLACK DIAMOND [Holland 32, 454 Chevrolet], identical boats and about the same horsepower. As they neared the midway mark it was close with SAVING GRACE in front by a boat length and getting the win with a real close finish. BLACK DIAMOND won Gasoline Class C (V-8, 376 to 525cid, 24 to 29 feet); SAVING GRACE won Gasoline Class D (V-8, 376 and over, 28 feet and over) and a distant third came the winner of Gasoline Class A (4 & 6 cylinder 24 feet and over) CINDY JEN [34’ Clinton Beal, 1964; 292 Chevrolet] skippered by Alonzo Alley.
Next up was the Wooden Boat Races. CINDY JEN was the only one in Class A (Any hp, up to 35’11”) and EMMA & ANDREW [John’s Bay 44; 700-hp Caterpillar] was the only entrant in Class B (Any hp, 36’ and over). They were sent down together with each getting the win in their class.
Richard Quinn’s PRIORITIES [Novi 28’; 210-hp Cummins] was signed up for the next two races, Novi Class and Diesel Class A (Up to 235 hp, 24 to 31 feet). Since he was the only one in the Novi Class he would run down for that win, but Ed Upham’s BLACK MAGIC [Nauset 27; 135-hp Perkins] from Searsport got the win in Diesel Class A. Also running down with them was the only entrant in Diesel Class B (Up to 235 hp, 32 feet to 39 feet 11 inches), which was Brantley Ciomei’s SEA TRIALS [Osmond 32; 220-hp John Deere]. There was one entrant in Diesel Class C (236 to 335 hp, 24 to 33 feet), Roy Fagonde’s LAST DESIGN [E. Libby, Jr., 31; 300-hp Caterpillar], and he raced down against the two boats in Diesel Class D (236 to 335 hp, 34 feet to 39 feet 11 inches), which was won by Dan Carter’s OUTNUMBERED [Duffy 35; 300-hp John Deere] with Robin Dunham’s SAMANTHA ERIN [Duffy 35; 315-hp Cummins] second. Danny Eaton’s DESTINY [Crowley 28; 420-hp Yanmar] has been given Randy Durkee’s AUDREY MAY [Holland 32; 425-hp Cummins] a run for her money in Diesel Class E (336 to 435 hp, 24 to 33 feet), but to date just has not been able to get by her. Most knew that this was going to be one of the races to watch and it did not disappoint. When they hit the midway point DESTINY had a half a boat length lead over AUDREY MAY and held it all the way to the finish line getting her first win of the year. Third went to Ron Eaton’s GLORY BOUND [Wayne Beal 28, 420-hp FPT]. Eight boats were on the line for Diesel Class F (336 to 435 hp, 34 feet to 39 feet 11 inches) and no one was surprised when they saw Winfred Alley’s FAITH MELLE [Libby 34; 425-hp Cummins] leading all eight contenders to the finish with a speed of 40.1 mph. Second went to Royce Fifield’s CALYPSO [Crowley Beal 33; 420-hp Cummins] followed by Bennett Gray’s BABA BUOY [South Shore 34; 300-hp Caterpillar]. The only entry in Diesel Class G (436 to 550 hp, 28 to 35 feet) was David Osgood’s SPLIT SECOND [Crowley Beal 33; 550-hp D-8 Volvo] from Vinalhaven so she ran up with Diesel Class H. split second lead the field to the finish, but who was going to get the win in Diesel Class H (436 to 550 hp, 36 feet to 39 feet 11 inches)? Willie Coombs’ MELYNDA M. [Wayne Beal 36; 500-hp FPT] has been the dominate boat in Diesel Class H, but today she was bested by Jeremy Tyler’s ALL IN [Northern Bay 38, 510 hp Volvo] as they finished one-two. Third went to Jeremiah McDonald’s MARGARET ANN [Calvin Beal 36; 550-hp Nanni]. For the last couple of years there has been a battle between Gary Genthner’s LIL’ LISA MARIE [Mussel Ridge 28; 600-hp FPT] and Chris Smith’s MISTY [Crowley Beal 33; 650 hp Scania] with LIL’ LISA MARIE being the dominate boat in Diesel Class I (551 to 700 hp, 28 to 35 feet). With the drop of the flag LIL’ LISA MARIE was off with MISTY right on her transom, but just could not catch her. Third went to Colby Oakes’ TRIPLE X [Mitchell Cove 35, 650-hp Scania]. Heather Thompson’s GOLD DIGGER [Wayne Beal 36; 675-hp Scania] was the boat to beat in Diesel Class J (551 to 700 hp, 36 feet to 39 feet 11 inches), but she has only signed up once so far this year, which was at Moosabec. There were four boats at the starting line and Scott Keenan’s DEAR ABBIE [Northern Bay 38, 700 hp Volvo] got the win with a speed of 34.8 mph. Second went to Jason McDonald’s HARD GOINS [Holland 38, 670-hp Cummins] and third was Eric Robbins’ SLEEPLESS NIGHTS [Calvin Beal 36; 675-hp Scania]. It has been good to see the return of Nick Wiberg and WITCHING HOUR [Northern Bay 36; 815-hp], the former UNCLE’S UFO/MISS KATIE, and the racing between Jeff Eaton’s LA BELLA VITA [Northern Bay 38; 815-hp FPT] in Diesel Class K (701 to 900 hp, 28 feet to 39 feet 11 inches). There is not much difference between the two and the result is real close racing from start to finish. At halfway LA BELLA VITA had the edge by a boat length and held on for the win. There was no question that the fastest boat at Stonington was Jeremy Beal’s MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II [Wayne Beal 32; 1,000-hp Isotta] from Jonesport entered in Diesel Class L (901 hp and over, 28 feet to 39 feet 11 inches). She would face off against James Nelson’s LESS THAN KNOT [Libby 34; 1,000-hp Isotta], which is fast, but does not seem to be dailed in and thus did not have enough to get by MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II. There were three entrants in Diesel Class M(A) (40 feet and over, up to 500 hp) John Williams’ KHRISTY MICHELLE [44’ Johns Bay; 500-hp Cummins], Alan Knowlton’s SEA URCHIN [Young Brothers 45, 425-hp John Deere] and Chris Pope’s OLD SCHOOL [Holland 41; 380-hp Cummins] and when the flag dropped they came up the course bow to bow. However, just before midway you could hear one add more throttle and OLD SCHOOL slowly worked her way out in front followed by SEA URCHIN and then KHRISTY MICHELLE. One of the best looking boats has got to be Eric Beal’s KIMBERLY ANN [Calvin Beal 42; 750-hp FPT] from Milbridge, the dominate in Diesel Class M(B) (40 feet and over, 501 to 750 hp). He jumped right into the lead with Matt Shepard’s ALEXSA ROSE [Morgan Bay 43; 750-hp John Deere] right on his stern. Third went to Fred Herson’s BELLA GRACE [Sargent 42; 750-hp John Deere]. Another great battle this year has been in Diesel Class N (40 feet and over, 750 hp and over) between Dana Beal’s NATALIE E. [Libby 41; 1,000-hp FPT] and Ryan Lemieux’s OBSESSION [Young Brothers 40; 1,000-hp Caterpillar]. Today was no different and as they neared midway they were bow to bow with a slight advantage going to NATALIE E., which is how they finished.
The next race was the Gasoline Free-for-All and the three gas boats were on the line. This was going to be another great race between BLACK DIAMOND and SAVING GRACE and it did not disappoint. You could tell when the flag fell as the throttles got pushed the engine on SAVING GRACE screamed out her stacks. Up the course they came, side by side and it was so close we had to wait for the announcement, which stated the winner SAVING GRACE with BLACK DIAMOND second. However, SAVING GRACE was smoking out the port exhaust pipe, meaning she had lost a head gasket. Fortunately it was not more serious than that and she was repaired a couple of days later and back out fishing.
There were nine boats on the line for the Diesel Free-for-All. No one was going to bet against MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II and it was a good thing as she jumped right into the lead and never looked back. The big question was who would get second and that went to LESS THAN KNOT followed by WITCHING HOUR. What happened to LA BELLA VITA? Just after the flag was dropped she powered up, but then the engine threw a code and slowed to almost a stop. Instead of heading for the finish she did a U-turn and headed back to the starting line for the next race.
Winning the Andrew Gove Memorial Cup – Fastest Working Lobster Boat is a big deal. Six boats were on the line for this race and the betters would favour LA BELLA VITA. As the leaders hit the halfway point LA BELLA VITA was bow to bow with WITCHING HOUR and by the time they slid over the finish line it was WITCHING HOUR getting the win, with LA BELLA VITA second and FAITH MELLE third.
There was just one race left, Fastest Boat Afloat, and again no one was surprised to see MARIA’S NIGHTMARE II leading the rest up the course. She was followed by LA BELLA VITA and then WITCHING HOUR.
After lunch and the prize ceremony on the town dock, the day of racing came to an end. Jeff Eaton and his crew, did an incredible job. Mid-week people were still talking about just how good the races were this year and that will likely translate into more racers coming next year. Jeff is already planning for a bigger event with a huge prize and I am sure he is going to get it.
