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 4^th, 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 Pemaquid, 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 in mid-July and mid-August for races at Winter Harbor, Harpswell and Friendship.  September 1^st is the final deadline for entries for the open race at Pemaquid.  Each race is held, dependant on the conditions at sea and the weather, commencing at 10 am sharp.

The Maine Lobster Boat Racing finale is the big awards banquet.  The banquet is held in September, on the 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.

Click Here to visit the official event website.
Event Phone Number: (207) 223-8846