Maine Lobster Boat Races 2024
Come Watch Maine’s Fastest Boats on the Coast!
Mark your calendar for the Maine Lobster Boat Races 2024! Be part of one of Maine’s most unique and entertaining spectator events on the coast! Lobster boats go bow-to-bow for points, cash, and prizes in these exciting and highly competitive yearly races. The Maine Lobster Boat Races 2024 will be an event you, your friends, and your family won’t forget!
All Races sign up between 8-9 am; races start at 10 am except for Long Island, with a signup time between 10-11 am, and races start at 12 pm. VHF Channel 10.
Not all races allow shoreside spectators, check the Fans of Maine Lobster Boat Racing Facebook page for updated information. Some local boat charters offer spectator cruises to watch the Maine Lobster Boat Races. Many towns make the Maine Lobster Boat Races a full-day event with food trucks, vendors, parades, and more. Reab about each location below to find out where to view the races from and what each individual location has going on for events on race day!
Maine Lobster Boat Races 2024 Schedule
JUNE
15 (Saturday) – Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races
16 (Sunday) – Rockland Harbor Lobster Boat Races
23 (Sunday) – Bass Harbor Pier Lobster Boat Races (Tremont)
JULY
4 (Thursday) – Jonesport-Beals (Moosabec Reach) Lobster Boat Races
14 (Sunday) – Stonington Lobster Boat Races
21 (Sunday) – Friendship Lobster Boat Races
28 (Sunday) – Harpswell Lobster Boat Races
AUGUST
10 (Saturday) – Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races
11 (Sunday) – Merritt Brackett Lobster Boat Races (Pemaquid)
17 (Saturday)- Long Island Lobster Boat Races
18 (Sunday) – MS Harborfest Lobster Boat Races (Portland)
OCTOBER
19 (Saturday) – Awards Banquet, Robinson’s Wharf & Tugs Pub, Southport
Information for Maine Lobster Boat Races 2024 Locations
Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races, Saturday, June 15
Boat Race Information from the Host
Points race, Lobster Boat Races start at 10 am, sign up begins at 8 am. Boothbay Harbor is one of the best anchorages on the coast of Maine. The harbor is spacious and sheltered, with good holding ground. The town has two public docks with dingy/dory/skiff floats and three launching ramps. Access through Brown’s Wharf or the co-op. Awards are held on the barge at the finish line.
Harbor Master Nicholas Upham 207-380-5635 nupham@boothbayharbor.org
VHF Channels 9 and 16
For more information about the Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races, contact Ashlee Lowrey at 207-808-9230
Spectator Information
Races are best viewed by boat. There are several boat tour companies in the area that may offer lobster boat race spectator cruises. The races can also be viewed from the Department of Marine Resources, McKown Point Road, W. Boothbay Harbor on land.
Rockland Lobster Boat Races, Sunday, June 16
Boat Race Information from the Host
Points race, Lobster Boat Races start at 10 am. Rockland Harbor offers excellent holding. There are two main anchorages in the northern and southern parts of the harbor. The northern anchorage is behind the breakwater, protecting you from the easterly chop. Small craft anchorage in the western part of the harbor is close to amenities. Depths of 6 to 15 feet along the public landing float. Access from O’Hara’s North facility (ramp). Awards held at O’Hara’s North.
Harbor Master Matt Ripley 207-594-0312 harbor@rocklandmaine.gov
For more information about the Rockland Lobster Boat Races, contact Nick O’Hara at 207-542-4348 or Mike Mayo at 207-542-1879
Spectator Information
Head out to the Rockland Breakwater or Journey’s End Marina for the best view by land. Keep in mind parking may be a challenge since this is a very popular race!
Bass Harbor Lobster Boat Races, Sunday, June 23
Boat Race Information from the Host
Lobster Boat Races start at 10 am and are best viewed by boat. Three anchorages are in the inner harbor. Several marinas are in the area as well. Access through the fisherman’s pier, but space is limited, so bring a skiff and an anchor. There are open lobster floats to tie up to in the harbor. Awards are held at the Fisherman’s Pier, followed by a blessing of the fleet.
Harbor Master Justin Seavey 207-244-4564
For more information about the Bass Harbor Lobster Boat Races, contact Colyn Rich at 207-479-7288
Spectator Information
This race can be viewed from land, and the town makes the day a complete event with a car and motorcycle show, pig roast, barbeque, and a blessing of the fleet.
Jonesport-Beals (Moosabec Reach) Lobster Boat Races, Thursday, July 4
Boat Race Information from the Host
Points race, Lobster Boat Races start at 10 am. An 8-foot anchorage is available in Sawyer Cove. Access from the town dock behind the breakwater in Jonesport and the co-op near the bridge. Bring an anchor and skiff to go ashore after the races. Awards are held at the Coast Guard Station located to the north of Moosabec Reach. The town launch ramp, pier, and float are located on the west side of Sawyer Cove. A wharf is available at the northeastern part of Beals Island.
Harbor Master Russell Batson 207-497-5926
For more information about the Moosabec Reach Lobster Boat Races, contact Roy Fagonde at 207-610-4607
Spectator Information
Head over to the Beals Island Bridge to watch the races from land. The town makes the races an all-day event, including a lobster boat parade and fireworks for the 4th of July celebration.
Stonington Lobster Boat Races, Sunday, July 14
Boat Race Information from the Host
Points race, Lobster Boat Races start at 10 am, sign up starts at 7 on the Fish Pier. Most wharves along the waterfront are used by commercial boats. Berthage is very limited in Stonington- most vessels anchor or moor off Staple Point. Bring a GOOD anchor and watch out for traps when you set it. Mooring permits can be obtained from town selectmen. The access point is right in town at Colwell’s behind the Isle au Haut Ferry Terminal and Mailboat Wharf. It is accessible at almost every tide and has some trailer parking, with additional trailer parking at the ball field across from the Island Community Center. From Route 15 take Granite Street to Bayview Avenue- you won’t make the corner if you take Seabreeze! Fuel and overnight docking are available at Billings Diesel & Marine Service. Awards are at the fishermen’s pier after the races.
Assistant Harbor Master Dana Webb 207-367-5891
VHF Channel 16
For more information about the Stonington Lobster Boat Races, contact Jeff Eaton at 207-598-0488
Spectator Information
Races are best viewed by boat; contact Isle au Haut Boat Services for race day charters at 207-367-6516. The town has a pancake breakfast before the races and offers crabmeat rolls in the Odd Fellows Hall after the races. There are many land activities throughout the day and food trucks line the dock and street downtown.
Friendship Lobster Boat Races, Sunday, July 21
Boat Race Information from the Host
Points race, Lobster Boat Races start at 10 am. Part of Muscongus Bay, this harbor offers good anchorage in 21 to 28 feet of water. Bring an anchor or tie up to a free lobster float. Jameson Point on the north side of the harbor has many wharves and piers with float landings. The town wharf is located to the north, and it is advised to approach with caution as the wharf has a reported depth of 2 feet alongside. Access is limited- there is a ramp but it’s known as “the ramp from HELL.” Awards are given after each class, vessels stop by the judge’s float and pick up their prize.
Harbor Master Jim Bolen 207-975-7107 or 207-832-6689
For more information about the Friendship Lobster Boat Races, contact Robin Reed at 207-975-9821
Spectator Information
This race can be viewed from land. Food trucks and a souvenir stand are located along the town’s landing.
Harpswell Lobster Boat Races, Sunday, July 28 (Rain date Sunday, August 4th)
Boat Race Information from the Host
Points race, Lobster boat races take place in Potts Harbor starting at 10 am. The races will feature 33 race classes with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finish. All race proceeds will be donated to The Harpswell Santa Fund. Bring that GOOD anchor again, mostly sand bottom. Closest access is through Dolphin Marina, there is a charge to use the ramp, contact in advance for an appointment. Dockage space is available the night before and was $20/foot a few years ago. Other launch sites are Mackerel Cove Landing and Garrison Cove Boat Launch on Bailey island, and Pott’s Point Wharf and Launch and Lookout Point in Harpswell. Awards are held after each class, just stop by the judge’s float at the end of the race to pick up your award.
Harbor Master Jim Hays 207-833-5771 ext:106 Cell: 833-577-1106
For more information about the Harpswell Lobster Boat Races, contact Amanda Peacock at 207-756-3104 or Kristina York at 207-449-7571
Spectator Information
The races are best watched from the water. They can also be viewed from Mitchell Field (although you may want to bring binoculars). Race gear will be available for sale at Mitchell Field and from a Committee Member boat in the harbor.
Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races, Saturday, August 10
Boat Race Information from the Host
Points race, Lobster Boat Races take place in Henry Cove at 10 am. This harbor is often used as a refuge and is secure in all weather. The inner part of the harbor, northeastward of Sand Cove, has an anchorage and depths of around 8 feet. The town has a pier and float landing. Access is through the commercial dock, and a ramp is on the other side of the harbor. Awards are at the commercial dock after the races.
Harbor Master Fred Bachman 207-812-1264
For more information about the Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races, contact Chris Byers at 207-963-7139
Spectator Information
This race is best viewed by boat but can be seen from Frazier Point or Schoodic Point. The Annual Winter Harbor Lobster Festival takes place during the Lobster Boat Races. The festival has a blueberry pancake breakfast at the Masonic Hall from 6-10 am, lobster dinner from 11 am – 3 pm, a craft fair, a road race, a parade, and more.
Pemaquid Merritt Brackett Lobster Boat Races (Bristol), Sunday, August 11
Boat Race Information from the Host
Non-points race, Lobster Boat Races start at 10:30 am. There are many fish and lobster wharves in the harbor. Two service wharves with float landings are on the harbor’s north side. Bring your anchor again, and a skiff. Access is through the ramp at the end of Colonial Pemaquid, I recommend you don’t put your boat in at low tide. It’s a very gradual slope. Dock space is limited, so taking your skiff in after the race is best. Pemaquid has different boat classifications so you have the chance to go up against someone different. Awards are held at The Contented Sole restaurant right near the boat launch in the park. Olde Bristol Days go on at the same time, right at Colonial Pemaquid, with a small fair, parade, food, and fireworks the night before the lobster boat races.
Harbor Master Steve Hope 207-563-8001 or 207-677-2091
For more information about the Pemaquid Lobster Boat Races, contact Brent Fogg at 207-350-7712 or Sheila McLain at 207-677-2100
Spectator Information
The lobster boat races are best viewed from the top of the Fort William Henry tower in Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site or by the shore next to the fort. I’ve watched these races from the tower- it is best to get your spot up there early, as it fills up fast!
Long Island Lobster Boat Races, Saturday, August 17
Boat Race Information from the Host
Points race, Lobster Boat Races start at 10 am. Two landings are on Long Island- Ponces Landing and Cleaves Landing. Dockage is limited. Mariners Wharf is where the Casco Bay Ferry from Portland docks. It’s best to stay in Portland the night before and steam up in the morning if traveling by boat.
Harbor Master John Wallace 207-766-5820
For more information about the Long Harbor Lobster Boat Races, contact Lisa Kimball at 207-332-3968 or Amy Tierney at 207-317-1576
Spectator Information
This lobster boat race is best viewed by boat. Several boat tour companies offer spectator cruises on the day of the event. The town also hosts the annual Wharf Street Festival during the boat races with food trucks, raffles, live music, and activities for kids throughout and after the races.
Portland Lobster Boat Races, Sunday, August 18
Boat Race Information from the Host
Points race, Lobster Boat Races start at 10 am. Diamond Island Roads is the main deepwater anchorage in the outer harbor, at 40 to 45 feet. The 30-Foot Anchorage eastward of Fish Point has depths of 25-30 feet. Diamond Cove, at the northeast end of Diamond Island, has excellent anchorage with depths around 18 feet. Races are part of the MS Harborfest Weekend. There will be lots of sailboats around from the MS Regatta the day before, and there is a tugboat muster after the lobster boat races. Access is through the Portland Yacht Services ramp.
Harbor Master Kevin Battle 207-831-6962 or 207-772-8121 phm@portlandharbor.org
Assistant Harbor Masters Lance Hanna 207-468-2878 Charles Baird 207-671-5338
VHF Channel: 16
For more information about the Portland Lobster Boat Races, contact Katie Werner at 207-807-1832
Spectator Information
The best view of the races from land is from Fort Allen Park or on the Eastern Promenade (Prom). There are also several boat tour companies that may offer spectator cruises on the day of the event. The MS Harborfest is also held during the Portland Lobster Boat Races and is a three-day festival that includes a tugboat race, regatta, and waterfront auction to benefit Multiple Sclerosis services and research.
Watch Maine Lobster Boat Races in Action:
