Maine lobster boat racing. Photo courtesy of Billy Kitchen

For those of you looking for the 2012 Maine Lobster Boat Races schedule, it has now been published.

The 2012 Maine Lobster Boat Racing Schedule

June 16th – Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races

June 17th – Rockland Lobster Boat Races

June 24th – Bass Harbor Lobster Boat Races

June 30th – Moosebec Reach Lobster Boat Races (Jonesport Beals)

July 14th – Searsport Lobster Boat Races

July 15th – Stonington Lobster Boat Races

July 28th – Friendship Lobster Boat Races

July 29th – Harpswell Lobster Boat Races

August 11th – Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races

August 12th – Merritt Brackett Lobster Boat Races

August 19th – MS Harborfest Lobster Boat Races (Portland)

September 9th – Eastport Lobster Boat Races

Maine lobster boat racing is indeed a unique and special sport.  As covered in my new book, How To Catch A Lobster In Down East Maine, lobster boat racing as we know it today originated in Jonesport and Beals. Between these two fishing villages lies a sheltered body of water called Moosabec Reach.  When moter-power replaced sails in the 1900s, the Reach became an ideal testing ground for boat builders to trial their latest designs. Each time a builder won the coveted prize of fastest lobster boat, it was a wonderful advertisement for his business. Each time he lost, it motivated him to improve his design. Win or loose, the races were a great way for fishermen and boat builders to blow off some steam.

The Moosabec Reach Races are still some of the best lobster boat races to witness within the Maine racing circuit.  This racing circuit, as you can see above, now stretches up and down the entire coast, running from late June through the end of August. Here’s to another safe, successful racing season!