Wave-churning action on Middle Bay during the Harpswell Lobster Boat Races on Sunday, July 24. (PAM BERRY PHOTO)

Spectators crowded onto the waterfront at Mitchell Field and boats in Middle Bay on July 24 to watch the Harpswell Lobster Boat Races. There were 25 races this year, with boats divided into classes based on factors that include size and horsepower.

The races moved to Middle Bay this year from Potts Harbor. According to Ashley Lenz, a member of the committee that organizes the races, the new location allows more people to watch from land, with a better view.

“Before when you were watching on land, you couldn’t see anything,” Lenz said. “And we’re going to improve it year after year, but you can already see all of the races right here, so I love it. We’ve got more people, so I think it was a good move.”

Racers pay a $20 registration fee. Proceeds benefit the Harpswell Santa Fund, which helps local families in need. The committee is looking for more volunteers. For more information, message Harpswell Lobster Boat Races on Facebook.

Results follow, with the top three finishers in each category. Races 4, 6, 7, 10, 26 and 30 were not run because there were no entrants.

Work boats under 24 feet

Race 1: Class A, skiffs 16 feet and under, outboard up to 30 horsepower, operators up to 16 years old

  1. Jenily, Jennifer and Emily Noyes

Race 2: Class B, inboard, outboard or outdrive, 31-90 horsepower

  1. Zippin’ Too, Jacob Noyes
  2. Hooligan, Matt Williams
  3. Zippin’, David Noyes

Race 3: Class C, inboard, outboard or outdrive, 90 horsepower and up

  1. Slice, Jay Perrotta (46.3 mph)
  2. Casco Miss, Dave Johnston
  3. Mayhem, Al Strout

Wooden boats

Race 5: Wooden Boat Race B, any horsepower, 36 feet and up

  1. Sand Dollars III, Scott Dugas (20.9 mph)
  2. Delusional, Alan Dugas

Gas-powered work boats, 24 feet and up

Race 8: Class C, V8, 376-525 cubic inches

  1. Brown Eyed Girl, Jim Koeling (32.8 mph)

Race 9: Class D, V8, 376 cubic inches and up, non-working racers

  1. Downeast Nightmare, Mark Davis (39.4 mph)

Diesel-powered work boats, 24 feet and up

Race 11: Class A, up to 235 horsepower, 24 feet to 31 feet, 11 inches

  1. Lynn Marie, Riley Johnson (21.6 mph)

Race 12: Class B, up to 235 horsepower, 32 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches

  1. Savage, Colby Barnes (10.5 mph)

Race 13: Class C, 236-335 horsepower, 24 feet to 33 feet, 11 inches

  1. Ruthless, Bruce Hamlin

Race 14: Class D, 236-335 horsepower, 34 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches

  1. Brandy, Charles Johnson (28.3 mph)

Race 15: Class E, 336-435 horsepower, 24 feet to 33 feet, 11 inches

  1. Audrey May, Randy Durkee (39.1 mph)
  2. Guilty Pleasure, Jake Dugas

Race 16: Class F, 336-435 horsepower, 34 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches

  1. K. E. II, Scott Merryman (25.7 mph)
  2. Karamel, Josh Audet (24.2 mph)

Race 17: Class G, 436-550 horsepower, 28 feet to 35 feet, 11 inches

  1. Entrapment, Tom Cloutier (30.2 mph)

Race 18: Class H, 436-550 horsepower, 36 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches

  1. Pretty Woman, Nick Martinez (28.3 mph)
  2. Wild Fire, Hunter Merryman

Race 19: Class I, 551-700 horsepower, 28 feet to 35 feet, 11 inches

  1. Lil’ Lisa Marie, Gary Genthner (37.4 mph)
  2. Misty, Chris Smith (36.5 mph)

Race 20: Class J, 551-700 horsepower, 36 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches

  1. Gold Digger, Heather Thompson (39.6 mph)
  2. Danica Haley, Carl Anderson (38.1 mph)
  3. Mean Kathleen, Sean Clemons

Race 21: Class K, 701-900 horsepower, 28 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches

  1. Blue Eyed Girl, Andrew Taylor (43.5 mph)
  2. La Bella Vita, Jeff Eaton (42.8 mph)

Race 22: Class L, 901 horsepower and up, 28 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches

  1. All Set, Leif Albertsen

Race 23: Class M (A), 40 feet and up, up to 500 horsepower

  1. Pull n Pray, Justin Papkee

Race 24: Class M (B), 40 feet and up, 501-750 horsepower

  1. Five Stars, Chip Johnson (37.1 mph)
  2. Alexsa Rose, Matt Sheppard (35.8 mph)
  3. Temptation, Wayne Clemons

Race 25: Class N, 40 feet and up, 751 horsepower and up

  1. Whistlin’ Dixie, Andy Johnson (36.9 mph)
  2. 4 Ladies, Tom Clemons (33.5 mph)

Special categories

Race 27: Gasoline Free-for-All

  1. Downeast Nightmare, Mark Davis (33.7 mph)
  2. Brown Eyed Girl, Jim Koeling (31.4 mph)

Race 28: Diesel Free-for-All

  1. Blue Eyed Girl, Andrew Taylor (42.3 mph)
  2. La Bella Vita, Jeff Eaton (41.7 mph)
  3. Gold Digger, Heather Thompson

Race 29: Slowest Boat

  1. Harry & Larry, Steve Johnson (9.9 mph)

Race 31: Fastest Lobster Boat

  1. Blue Eyed Girl, Andrew Taylor (43.2 mph)
  2. Downeast Nightmare, Mark Davis (41.9 mph)
  3. 3. La Bella Vita, Jeff Eaton