November 2014 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 19. Outcome of Lobster Boat Racing's Annual Meeting
BANGOR – The fi nal event of the 2014 Maine Lobster Boat Racing season was the Maine Lobster Boat Racing Association’s (MLBRA) Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, which was hosted by the Winter Harbor Lobster Boat Races and held at the Hollywood Casino in Bangor on 25 October. More than 90 people attended, and more would have shown up had the day not been so good after several stormy ones. A number of the fi shermen went to haul. Some of these came in a little late, but a few opted to stay home and go haul again Sunday. The Annual Meeting is held in the fall so that there are no surprises for those look- ing to build a new boat or to make changes to an existing boat. About 25 attended the meeting moderated by Jon Johansen, presi- dent of MLBRA. Jon said that this had been an excellent racing season and thanked all those that made it possible. He gave a brief update on the sponsors. This year MLBRA’s only sponsor was Cummins, however, Mack Boring has already said they want to get back onboard for 2015. Fortunately the insurance cost decreased and the loss of the additional sponsor was not an issue. The budget was discussed. Expenses (insurance, printing of the program and posters, and trophies) is about $4,000. Income is generated from the members, sponsors and program. The program could generate more revenue, but needed people to help with advertising. Last year Lisa Kimball and Amy Tierney helped, but found that they could not cover the entire coast. So this year Genevieve McDonald offered to help in the Stonington area. It was also agreed that we could hire an ad person to help with sales.
Next up was the election of offi cers for the 2015 season. The current slate is Pres- ident, Jon Johansen; Vice President, Travis Otis; Secretary: Lisa Kimball; and Treasurer Rachel Elward. Lisa said that if we could fi nd someone to fi ll her position she would be appreciative and Genevieve agreed to be- come the secretary. The slate was presented and all voted to accept as given. There were no rule changes suggested. There was however three changes suggested for the classes. It had been proposed that we eliminate the upper horsepower limit in Gasoline Class D (V8, 376 to 540 cid, 24 feet and over (Non-working racer). There was a brief discussion. Someone stated that this could place some in the class at a disadvan- tage and another suggested that they would
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like to see it passed but not implemented until the 2016 season. A motion was made to eliminate the upper horsepower limit in Gasoline D so it would read V8, 376 cid and over, 24 feet and over (Non-working racer). All but one agreed to pass the motion and it will be implemented for the 2015 season. Another change was sought in Diesel
Classes A and B raising the upper limit to 265 hp. A brief discussion took place and the general consensus thought that those currently racing would be at a disadvantage. A motion was made to raise the upper limit of Diesel Classes A and B and the lower limit of Diesel Classes C and D. The majority voted not to make this change. The fi nal suggestion was to split Diesel Class M (40-foot and Over, up to 750 hp) so that the Class would be 40 feet and over, 0-500 hp and 40 feet and over 501 to 750 hp. The discussion thought that this might bring out more racers. When voted on passed without opposition.
For years it was suggested that we have an oversight committee that would enforce the rules a little better. Volunteers were asked for and Bruce Engert, Chris Smith and Ed Torosian agreed to serve the fi rst year. They will only be enforcing rules and not inspect- ing engines.
Bruce Engert said that we needed a bet- ter handle on lessening the time boats waited at the starting line. He said that it created a problem for the Gasoline Classes. This would be mentioned to the starting boats. Another problem Jon addressed is the starting time at each event. Trying to get everyone into the computer, especially those that do not show up by 9, was an issue. However, the Portland races prove that we can do a much better job. Jon says that he will start inputting racers into the computer at 0915 and that should allow us to get out on the course by 1000. This does not mean those coming late cannot compete. Jon said that he will develop a book with all the basic information for each racer so they can sign up at the committee boat.
The next question was where to host
next year’s banquet. Keith and Travis Otis have made several inquiries along the coast. Some of the thoughts are Point Lookout in Northport; Tradewinds, Rockland; Tugboat Inn in Boothbay Harbor or return to Holly- wood Casino. It was decided that a survey will be sent out by Thanksgiving asking the members what they would like.
For old business, the Hall of Fame was
discussed. The Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport has agreed to help with putting together an exhibit. They also said they could display it. Information now needs to be gathered on those who have been induct- ed and Jon said he would put a list together and start getting the information collected. In 2014 we lost three races, Friendship, Harpswell and Searsport. All three have said they are back for 2015. At Friendship, Wes Lash said they wanted to get back on the schedule, but on Sunday. Harpswell, Albert Rose, tried to get ready for this year, but things did not work out. He said that he wants to move the venue back to Potts Har-
bor. Searsport dropped out this year due to repairs that needed to be made to the dock. The dock has yet to be repaired so Keith and Travis hope the Town gets things worked out and not affect this year’s racing. The schedule for 2015 is: Boothbay, 13 June; Rockland, 14 June; Bass Harbor, 28 June; Moosebec, 4 July; Searsport, 11 July; Stonington, 12 July; Friendship, 19 July; Harpswell, 26 July; Winter Harbor, 8 Au- gust; Pemaquid, 9 August; Long Island, 15 August; MS-Portland, 16 August; Awards Banquet 24 October. With that, the meeting was adjourned.
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