2024 Race Details

harpswell lobster boat races

2024 Race Details

Sunday, July 28th. Rain Date is Sunday, August 4th.

Attend By Land:
Mitchell Field — located at 1410 Harpswell Neck Road in Harpswell, Maine.
Click here to open in Google Maps

Attend By Sea:
In Middle Bay, East of The Goslings Preserve & North of Whaleboat Island

Driving Directions

  • Coming from Bowdoin College in Brunswick:
    • Follow ME-123 S/Harpswell Neck Rd for 10.6 miles
    • Destination will be on the right, just before Pammy’s Ice Cream Parlor
  • Coming from Cook’s Corner in Brunswick:
    • Follow ME-24/Harpswell Islands Rd for 8.1 miles
    • Turn right onto Mountain Rd, follow to the end
    • Turn left onto ME-123 S, follow for 4.3 miles
    • Destination will be on the right, just before Pammy’s Ice Cream Parlor

When to Arrive

Registration for all racers starts at 8:00am on the committee float. You will also be able to purchase merchandise on the committee float and on land during the races.

Races start at 10:00am.

Parking

We have ample free parking in the field leading up to the venue, and limited handicap parking that is first come first serve. For passengers with limited mobility there will be an option to drop them off and then park in the general parking area. Please come prepared to walk from the general parking area to the shore.

Where to Launch

There will be 10-12 boat slips available at the Dolphin Marina. Reservation are by email at [email protected]. You can also fuel up there.

Launching for vessels can be done in multiple locations, but please be aware that each location has limited to no parking.

You can launch at:

  • The Dolphin Marina — 515 Basin Point Rd, Harpswell, ME
    • Launching and trailer parking may be requested by appointment. Slips can be reserved on the website. This is the closest location to the races.
  • Mackerel Cove Landing — 3 Abner Point Road, Bailey Island, ME
    • This heavily-used landing provides recreational and commercial access to the busy harboron Mackerel Cove. Parking is available for up to 15 cars in the neighboring lot.
  • Garrison Cove Boat Launch — 58 Garrison Cove Road, Bailey Island, ME
    • Limited parking is available at the top of the beach.
  • Pott’s Point Wharf and Launch — 1985 Harpswell Neck Road, Harpswell, ME
    • Please park on the right so as not to block wharf traffic.
  • Lookout Point —  dependent on tide and limited parking.

Find more directions to other launches here.

Tips for Viewing

The races can be viewed from the water, or by land at Mitchell Field. There will be plenty of beach and grassy spaces for you to view from land, but keep in mind that you will be a distance away so if you have binoculars this is a great time to bring them!

The races will also be broadcasted on VHF Channel 10. In order to hear the races, we recommend bringing a portable hand held radio. We will also aim to broadcast VHF Channel 10 on land near the food truck area.

Where to Eat

We’ll have several food truck options from local Maine businesses for you to choose from. Look for them on land towards the water’s edge!

Where to get your race gear

Commemorative race merchandise will be available at Mitchell Field on the day of the races. You will also be able to purchase merchandise from a Committee Member boat that will make its rounds throughout the event. After the race, you will be able to purchase leftover merchandise at Pammy’s Ice Cream Parlor in Harpswell. Remember all proceeds from the sale of merchandise will benefit the community of Harpswell – so plan to stock up!

Did you know? Each year, we express our gratitude to committee members and day-of volunteers by presenting them with an exclusive-color Volunteer T-shirt. Join us today to become a volunteer!

race classes

This year there will be a total of 33 races ranging from non-working boats to Novi Boats to the fastest lobster boat with lots in between.

race prizes

Each race will award a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prize in the form of cash and/or commercial fishing gear.

race proceeds

Any funds we raise will be used to put on a safe and fun event — but after we cover our costs all proceeds from the races will be donated to The Harpswell Santa Fund, a cause that was formed in 1991 by the lobstermen of Harpswell to help support local families in need.

While You're in Harpswell

Harpswell is a fishing community mixed in with a seasonal tourist town. We are packed with tons of things to see and do! The best way to find out what we have to offer is to visit these websites:

100% of proceeds donated

A Fun Day that does good all year long

100% of the proceeds from the Harpswell Lobster Boat Races are donated back to our community.

In 2023, thanks to generous sponsors, race registrations, and commemorative merchandise sales, the HLBR Committee was able to donate $20,000 to the Harpswell Santa Fund.

This means that there will be more presents under the tree, more fuel in the tank, and more groceries in the fridge for families who need a little help from their neighbors this year.