The Official 2015 Maine Lobster Boat Racing Schedule

Maine lobster boat racing.  Photo courtesy of Billy Kitchen.

The official 2015 Maine Lobster Boat Races schedule has just been posted and I am sharing it below along with a few notes (some of them courtesy of Travis Otis).

The 2015 Maine Lobster Boat Race Schedule

Boothbay Harbor: June 20th.  This is a points race and best viewed via boat.

Rockland: June 21st.  This is a points race and best viewed via Rockland Breakwater.  This race has good prizes and draws a nice crowd of local boys and big boats from the surrounding islands. Expect lots of rafting up and partying.

Bass Harbor: June 28th.  This is a non-points race, best viewed via boat. A blessing of the fleet takes place after the races.

Moosabec Reach: July 4th.  This is a points race best viewed via the Beals Island bridge. This is perhaps the most iconic race of the season as Maine lobster boat racing as we know it originated in these sheltered waters between Jonesport and Beals Island.  The races are always highly competitive and the towns host Fourth of July events alongside the racing.

Searsport: July 11th.  This is a points race and best viewed from Mosman Park or the town landing.

Stonington: July 12th.  This is a points race and best viewed via boat.  A pancake breakfast is held before the races and crab meat rolls are served in the odd fellows hall after (you haven't lived until you've had a Stonington crab meat roll)!

Friendship: July 19th.  This is a points race best viewed via boat.

Harpswell: July 26th.  This is a points race best viewed via boat.

Winter Harbor: August 8th.  This is a points race best viewed via boat.  The races form part of a wider Downeast Maine Lobster Festival held in the town that day.  The festival itself is well worth a visit and includes a pancake breakfast, parade and lobster dinner.

Long Island: August 15th.  This is a points race best viewed via boat.

Portland/Pemaquid: August 16th.  The Pemaquid race is a non-points race best viewed from the top of the tower at Pemaquid Colonial Park.  The races form part of the Eastport Pirate Festival which includes everything from live music and fireworks to lobster crate races, parades and a 'friendly' invasion of the neighboring town of Lubec.  A wonderful, festive experience.  The Portland race is a points race and best viewed from Fort Allen Park. The Portland lobster boat races form part of the MS Harborfest Weekend, which also includes a regatta and a tug boat muster.

Feel free to add comments or insights to the above or to share your experience of any of the races you attend!