Lobster boat captains up and down the coast and right here in Boothbay Harbor are revving up for the 2025 racing season. The races begin with the Charlie Begin Memorial Lobster Boat Races Saturday, June 14. Since 2005, Boothbay Harbor’s races are held in honor of Begin, a beloved native lobsterman and racer.

Race categories include gas classes based on length and cubic inches, diesel classes based on horsepower and length, a wooden boat race, gas and diesel free-for-alls, and four races just for Boothbay Region boats, including Fastest Working Lobster Boat. 

If last year's races are any indicator, there should be a whole lot of wake whipped up. Jeremy Beal of Jonesport, with Maria's Nightmare II, won Fastest Working Lobster Boat race with a speed of 58.5 mph – almost 20 mph over second place; and local reigning champion in Boothbay’s Fastest Working Lobster Boat race, Andrew Taylor, won for the fourth consecutive year, in Blue Eyed Girl with a speed of 43.1 mph.

Boothbay Harbor Race Organizer Ashlee Lowery said the record was 71 or 72 mph some years ago, but the name of the boat captain eluded her. This is Lowery’s 18th year at the helm of the much-anticipated event. 

Last year, 52 captains participated, up from the expected 35-40. Lowery noted something the public might not be aware of: “Back 10 years or so, fuel prices started going up, insurance costs have gone up, and if something happens to a boat racing … their insurance will not cover those costs." 

Captains placing first win $250, second place, $200, and third, $150.

As always, there will be commemorative clothing, and this year the sweatshirts will be pullover and zip up. Colors for T’s and sweats will be black and olive green. Lobster boat races are 100% sponsor supported; you’ll find the names of the businesses and individuals on the back of that new T or sweatshirt. Find them at the sign-up table at Brown’s Wharf. Participants should be signing up between 9 and 9:45 a.m. First race at 10.

The after party is at Robinson’s Wharf and the School Street Band will be playing. Lowery will be bringing any remaining clothing with her to that event.

The very best place to take in the action — including a bit o' wake — is on the water. Best places from shore: Atlantic Avenue in Boothbay Harbor at Whale’s Tale & Carousel Marina or Brown’s Wharf; or the lawn at Maine State Aquarium is a place to catch some action.

Visit https://southernmainecoast.com/maine-lobster-boat-races/ for last year's complete race information.