Lucky Oppedisano pointed at a boat making its way to the starting line for the Gasoline Free-for-All race.
The retired lobsterman identified the dark-colored boat as the type that can “roll through the water easily.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see him win this race,” Oppedisano said.
Sure enough, Steve Johnson’s Lynn Marie buzzed to a first-place finish in one of the final contests of the 32nd Harpswell Lobster Boat Races in Middle Bay. The July 28 event packed the waterfront at George J. Mitchell Field with spectators, continuing a local tradition.
The Lynn Marie also took the crown as the Fastest Lobster Boat Afloat and Fastest Lobster Boat in Casco Bay, reaching a top speed of 57.7 miles per hour. Jeff Eaton’s La Bella Vita was another big winner, taking gold in the Diesel Free-for-All and the Diesel Class K race while finishing third in Fastest Lobster Boat Afloat.
Lynne Rumba, a member of the committee that organizes the races, said the group was not sure if the event would happen this year because of damage to the working waterfront from January’s storms. However, the fishing community overwhelmingly supported keeping the annual event alive.
“It’s a big tradition in town,” Rumba said. “This is a day for them to get out and not worry about fishing and just have fun. It’s good for them to support each other and have a good time and support a good cause.”
The action began around 11 a.m. with 48 boats — 12 more than last year — participating in more than 20 races based on boat size, engine size, boat type and more. On land, spectators found food trucks, face painting and merchandise tents.
“As we’re selling merchandise, we meet people who have some of the first shirts and need to get a new one every year,” Rumba said. “The community just looks forward to it.”
All proceeds from the event go to the Harpswell Santa Fund. Last year, the committee donated $20,000 to the nonprofit, which helps families in need buy not just holiday gifts but also daily necessities such as groceries and heating fuel.
Watching in a lawn chair at Mitchell Field, Oppedisano, who raced for more than 30 years, said it was always fun to finish hauling the day before and rig the boats for racing.
“It’s a very relaxing day for the fishermen,” Oppedisano said. “They like the competition — in lobstering and in boat racing.”
Gina Snyder, a spectator, said the event “showcases the fishermen” and brings the community together, pointing to the lobster boats, pontoons and paddleboards lined up in the water.
“We see (the lobster boats) around and it’s fun to watch them race,” Snyder said. “It’s really exciting — not just the lobster boat races, but all the people having a good time.”
Results follow, with the top three finishers in each category. Races 4, 5, 7, 9, 25 and 26 were canceled because there were no entrants.
Work boats under 24 feet
Race 1: Class A, skiffs 16 feet and under, outboards up to 30 horsepower, operators up to 16 years old
1. Jenily, Jennifer Noyes (34.6 mph)
Race 2: Class B, inboard, outboard or outdrive, 31-90 horsepower
1. No name, Andy Correa (48.3 mph)
2. Screentime, Mason Vintinner
3. No name, Branden Brown
Race 3: Class C, inboard, outboard or outdrive, 91 horsepower and up
1. Delusional, David Noyes (48.6 mph)
2. White Knuckles, Jacob Noyes
3. Twin Disc, Jay Perrotta
Gas-powered work boats, 24 feet and up
Race 6: Class C, V8, 376-525 cubic inches, 24 feet and up
1. Brown Eyed Girl, Jim Koehling
Race 8: Class E, V8, more than 525 cubic inches, 28 feet and up, turbos/superchargers, alcohol and nitrous
1. Black Diamond, Randy Durkee (51.4 mph)
2. Lynn Marie, Steve Johnson
Diesel-powered work boats, 24 feet and up
Race 10: Class B, up to 235 horsepower, 32 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches
1. Is What It Is, Jesse Mitchell (18 mph)
Race 11: Class C, 236-335 horsepower, 24 feet to 33 feet, 11 inches
1. Brandy, Charles Johnson (30 mph)
Race 12: Class D, 236-335 horsepower, 34 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches
1. Whisky Girl, Mark Davis (32.5 mph)
Race 13: Class E, 336-435 horsepower, 24 feet to 33 feet, 11 inches
1. Audrey May, Randy Durkee (37.1 mph)
2. Wilbur, Tisha Sawyer
3. Guilty Pleasure, Jake Dugas
Race 14: Class F, 336-435 horsepower, 34 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches
1. Faith Melle, Winfred Alley (36.2 mph)
2. K.E. II, Scott Merryman (25 mph)
3. Dorie & Colby, Henry Barnes
Race 15: Class G, 436-550 horsepower, 28 feet to 35 feet, 11 inches
1. Semper Fi, Ari Meehan (42.3 mph)
2. Restless, Mark Davis (27 mph)
Race 16: Class H, 436-550 horsepower, 36 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches
1. Pretty Woman, Nick Martinez
Race 17: Class I, 551-700 horsepower, 28 feet to 35 feet, 11 inches
1. Lil’ Lisa Marie, Gary Genthner (41.9 mph)
2. Happy Hour, Kyle Drapper (27 mph)
Race 18: Class J, 551-700 horsepower, 36 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches
1. Mean Kathleen, Sean Clemons (39.3 mph)
2. Delusional, Allan Dugas (22 mph)
Race 19: Class K, 701-900 horsepower, 28 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches
1. La Bella Vita, Jeff Eaton (44.7 mph)
2. Regency, Zack Donnell (32 mph)
Race 20: Class L, 901 horsepower and up, 28 feet to 39 feet, 11 inches
1. All Set, Leif Albertson (44.4 mph)
Race 21: Class M (A), 40 feet and up, up to 500 horsepower
1. Pull n’ Pray, Justin Papkee (20 mph)
Race 22: Class M (B), 40 feet and up, 501-750 horsepower
1. Five Star, Chip Johnson (35.4 mph)
2. Alexsa Rose, Matt Sheppard (34 mph)
3. Temptation, Wayne Clemons
Race 23: Class N (A), 40 feet and up, 751-1,000 horsepower
1. Natalie E., Dana Beal (44.4 mph)
2. Whistlin’ Dixie, Andy Johnson (36.6 mph)
Race 24: Class N (B), 40 feet and up, 1,001 horsepower and up
1. 4 Ladies, Tom Clemons
Race 27: Wooden Boat Race B, any horsepower, 36 feet and up
1. Delusional, Alan Dugas (24 mph)
2. Sand Dollars III, Scott Dugas (23 mph)
3. Rolling Stone, Alan Dugas
Race 28: Slowest Boat
1. Tidely-Idley, Sam Coolidge (9.5 mph)
Race 29: Gasoline Free-for-All
1. Lynn Marie, Steve Johnson (55 mph)
2. Black Diamond, Randy Durkee
3. Brown Eyed Girl, Jim Koehling
Race 30: Diesel Free-for-All
1. La Bella Vita, Jeff Eaton (45 mph)
2. Whistlin’ Dixie, Andy Johnson
3. All Set, Leif Albertson
Race 31: Fastest Lobster Boat Afloat
1. Lynn Marie, Steve Johnson (54.2 mph)
2. Black Diamond, Randy Durkee
3. La Bella Vita, Jeff Eaton
Race 32: Fastest Lobster Boat in Casco Bay
1. Lynn Marie, Steve Johnson (57.7 mph)
2. Whistlin’ Dixie, Andy Johnson
3. Mean Kathleen, Sean Clemons
