HARPSWELL

After a brief hiatus, the much-loved lobster boat races are returning to Harpswell this summer.

The races, which started in 1987, last took place in 2013.

“The original people were just tired after 26 years,” said Larry Ward, one of the organizers of the revived races. “Then we had that hiatus four years, and now we’r.e back.”

Lobster boat races are an annual festivity in Maine, where boats of all shapes and sizes take part in a circuit of races along the coast. The Harpswell races are just one of 11 days of racing scheduled for this summer. The races kick off in Boothbay on June 16 and end with the Portland race on Aug. 19. The Harpswell races are slated for July 29.

The project of relaunching the Harpswell boat races began in August of last year. Ward took over from another individual who did not have the time to devote to the project, and together with a handful of volunteers began working to make the races a reality. Ward said that people in Harpswell are excited to have the races back for their 27th year.

“They love it,” he said. “We’re trying to get it back so it’s a fun time again. Something that we all enjoy doing.”

For Ward, a former fisherman, the lobster boat races are a fun way to celebrate the hard work Harpswell fishermen do year round.

“It’s been a pastime of Harpswell,” he said. “It’s a really good time.”

Ward said that the group is hoping to raise $15,000 this year to fund the races. The plan is for sponsorships and additional revenue to help keep the races sustainable, so there won’t be another four year hiatus.

There is no advance registration for the Harpswell races.

“It’s whoever shows up that morning,” noted Ward.

For a $20 fee, boat owners can register at Erica’s Seafood in Harpswell, where they will be sorted into 31 different racing categories that accommodate boats of all shapes and sizes. The races themselves start at 10 a.m., and will likely continue until the early afternoon. Ward noted that the best place to watch the races is from on the water.

“You’ll definitely see some beautiful boats,” said Ward. “Everything from skiff races to the fastest lobster boat afloat.

“We’re expecting a good turnout,” he added. “We’re looking for at least 60 boats.”

Proceeds from registration and merchandise sales will go to the Santa Fund in Harpswell, as it has since 1991.

“That was the year my brother drowned, and they started doing the Santa Fund to help out all the kids, you know, my nieces and nephews, mainly,” said Ward. “This goes back a lot for my family.”

One of those nieces is working on the races this year, added Ward.

For more information on taking part in the races, visit the group’s Facebook page, or contact Ward at harpswellboatraces@gmail.c om or (207) 798-1725. Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the event are also encouraged to reach out.

After four years without lobster boat races in Harpswell, Ward said he’s excited to see racing action in the town again.

“We encourage people to come,” he said. “It’s going to be a blast.”

nstrout@timesrecord.com