February 2010 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 5. MAINE LOBSTER BOAT RACING UPDATE
Believe it or not the Maine lobster boat racing season, organized by the Maine Lobster Boat Racing Association (MLBRA), is just five months away at Boothbay on 19 June. At the Awards Banquet held at the Trade Winds Motor Inn in Rockland last September there was a lot of discussion and some changes made. However, there will be additional discussions taking place at this year’s Maine Fishermen’s Forum at the Samoset Resort at 0900 hrs. on 6 March.
At the banquet, the 2009 season was discussed. It was thought that the reason for the downturn in the number of racers at almost every venue was due to the poor weather in June and July. Mostly it rained throughout the week and then the sun came out on race day. Unfortunately, the lobster fisherman/racers needed to make ends meat and headed out to haul. However, the season was highlighted by the vast amount of press received due to Steve Johnson’s car-boat, which was written up by the Associated Press, Soundings and the Wall Street Journal.
The first major issue brought up was a motion to change the by-laws of the Association so that the Awards Banquet becomes the major meeting for the Association. The reason for this is so that any rule changes would be known well in advance before the next year’s racing so that there would be no surprises just before the season begins. This was agreed to. Along with this change came an election of officers, the slate remaining the same: President Jon Johansen, vice president Travis Otis and secretary/treasurer Rachel Elward. This was
accepted and voted on passing unanimously.
As for sponsorship it was not known at the time if Motor Services Hugo Stamp, who has been the sponsor for the last two years, would continue as race sponsor. Since the banquet they have agreed that they would again sponsor the races for 2010. Then came the discussion on rules. Members were informed that the insurance held by the Association only covers spectators and that they should have insurance covering medical and liability. At last year’s meeting it was agreed that all boats should have kill switches and that this would be enforced this year. String attached to the throttle will not be allowed. It was also agreed that the running of Gasoline Class D would be overseen by the race committee and the oversight committee. With the engines getting more powerful and speeds reaching over 64 mph the Association must make sure that they do not have a major incident. So if the weather conditions are questionable these committees would make the decision as to whether Gasoline Class D can run or not.
Then came a long and drawn out discussion of using alcohol for fuel. Under the present rules alcohol is not permitted and after much debate would stay that way for the 2010 season.
Another change the oversight committee would like to see instituted is lessening the number of races, which would be a savings for each race venue of about $1,000. The first change suggested was in the Work Boat Classes. The MLBRA does not govern these classes, this is up to each
race venue. However, the Association would like to see the four Work Boat Classes combined into three. The proposal was for Class A, 0 to 30 hp; Class B, 31 to 75 hp; and Class C, 75 hp and over. It was also suggested that no hydroplanes be allowed to compete in these classes. The Work Boat Classes were developed for young fishermen. A discussion took place on whether this should be limited to fishermen under 21; must have a lobster license; or have a pot hauler. These suggestions were left up to the race venues.
There would be no changes in the Gasoline Classes, with the exception of Class C, lowering the length from 28 feet to 24 feet. A motion was made and this passed without opposition.
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A major change in the Diesel Classes was proposed. The proposal was to combine Diesel Classes A and B, C and D, E and F, which eliminates three classes. There was a long discussion on this and no consensus was arrived at so a vote was taken to discuss this further at the Forum in March. Another proposal was to have any boats 40 feet and over race in the 40-foot classes M and N. This was also tabled for further discussion. With just five months left before racing begins there as been several rumours floating around. There was talk of a new race boat, with huge power, but that has since quieted; and several of the usual racers are looking for additional speed; and of course the big question is what will Steve Johnson do this year?
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