Lobster boats get up to speed during a heat at the Merritt Brackett Lobster Boat Races Aug. 10. (Paula Roberts photo) |
Fifty-five boats competed in the 28th annual Merritt Brackett Lobster Boat Races, held in Pemaquid Harbor, Aug. 10. Over $15,000 in prize money and gift certificates, donated
by local businesses and from anonymous donors, were given away.
“I can’t thank them enough for their continued support. Without them we could not have them. In 13 years there have been very few no’s,” prize organizer Laurie Crane
said of the generosity of local businesses and race supporters.
“This is a fun race, it is not for points. People come to have a good time,” Crane said. Race organizers Dan Drisko and Crane hold a $5,200 lottery, giving away $100
bills to drawing winners. Drisko has been involved in the boat races for all 28 years.
“Everyone gets a prize no matter what. Even when it is a barrel of bait they are happy. No matter how stinky the prize is, they like it,” Crane said.
Race 18 The Fastest Lobster Boat Afloat, the final race of the day is highly anticipated. It is run in memory of Jack Fitch, and the winner gets the biggest haul of
the day, $500 in prize money. This year, the winner was Thunderbolt with Bruce Engert at the helm. Mojo with Chris Peterson took second, and Whistln’ Dixie
with Andy Johnson third.
The top three in each race received a prize, except in the Fastest Lobster Boat Afloat race where there was only one winner. Race results by class are as follows:
Race 1 Clamdigger and Lobster Pickers, outboard 25 hp and under, skiffs 16 feet and under: 1. Little Abbie (Caleb Young), 2. Jefferson (C. Carter), 3.
Miss Nellie (Clyde Poland).
Race 2 Clamdigger and Lobster Pickers, outboard up to 70 hp, skiffs over 16 feet: 1. Clusta (Al Strout), 2. F***** I Did (Evan Benner), 3. (Greg
Carter).
Race 3 Clamdigger and Lobster Pickers, inboard and outboards 71 hp and over, skiffs 16 feet and over: 1. Supa Gupp (William O’DeBery), 2. J-Bird
(Marshall Spear), 3. Casco Miss (Dave Johnston).
Race 4 Four and six cylinder gas, 24 feet and over: 1. Cry Baby (D&K Boatworks), 2. Summah (Bruce Farrin, Jr.).
Race 5 Gas V8 any cu. in. and under, 24 feet and over: 1. Thunderbolt (Bruce Engert), 2. Hard to Fathom (Gary Clifford), 3. Timber Cruiser
(Ronald Poland).
Race 6 Diesel 75 hp and under, 24 feet and over: 1. Knot Again (Dana Russell).
Race 7 Diesel 176-210 hp, 24 feet and over: 1. Hellblazzer (Spider), 2. Sandra Ann (Matt Thibault).
Race 8 Diesel 211-250 hp, 24 feet and over: 1. Merganser (Don Drisko), tie 2. Goin’ Deep (Larry Reed), 2. Lynn Marie (Steve Johnson).
Race 9 Diesel 251-350 hp, 24 and over: 1. Easy Money (David Grant), 2. Who’s Buyn (Raymond Carter), 3. Risky Business (Robert Kaler).
Race 10 Diesel (351-450 hp, 35’11” and under: 1. Miss Katie (Nick Wiberg), 2. Ms. Rose (Ed Torosian), 3. Loose Ends (Tyler Cheney).
Race 11 Diesel 351-450 hp, 36 feet and up: 1. Turn the Page (Carl Gray), 2. First Team (Travis Otis), 3. The Chain (Spencer Dyer).
Race 12 Diesel 451-650 hp, 28 feet and over: 1. Mojo (Chris Peterson), 2. Misty (Chris Smith), 3. Blue Eyed Girl (Andrew Taylor).
Race 13 Diesel 651 hp and up, 28 feet and over: 1. Whistln’ Dixie (Andy Johnson), 2. 4 Girls (Tom Clemons), 3. Evolution (Eugene Harrington).
Race 14 Novi Boats: 1. Highlander (Kyle Westhaver), 2. Black Pearl (Clyde Poland), 3. Halcyon (Nathan Hanna).
Race 15 Wooden Boats, diesel or gas, 24 feet and over: 1. Merganser (Don Drisko), 2. Timber Cruise (Ronald Poland).
Race 16 Gas Free-for-All, 24 feet and over: 1. Thunderbolt (Bruce Engert), 2. Cry Baby (D&K Boatwords).
Race 17 Diesel Free-for-All, 24 feet and over: 1. Mojo (Chris Peterson), Whistln’ Dixie (Andy Johnson), 3. 4 Girls (Tom Clemons).