"After conversations with one of the top contenders and frequent winner of the sanctioned races on the Maine Lobster Boat Race Association Circuit, The United States Coast Guard and Festival Committee Members we have given the idea of adding The First International Lobster Boat Race to the offerings of the Eastport Pirate Festival a green light," says Festival founder John Miller. " This will not be part of the sanctioned races on the 8 race circuit that take place at as many towns along the coast of Maine. It will however draw some of the top racers in the circuit with a grand prize of $1000.00 for the fastest Lobster Boat ."

Attorney Charles Moore of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Perry, Maine has seeded the prize purse with $1000 and has graciously agreed to serve as Chairman of the Pirate Lobster Boat Committee with Troy Alley, Keithe Moore, Mike Morse, Chris Gardner and John Miller. The committee will be recruiting Lobster Boats from the waters of Maine, New Brunswick and off-shore islands.

"We are delighted to be able to announce that we already have a firm commitment from two of the top contenders of the Lobster Boat Race Circuit to be part of our race - Troy Alley and Galen Alley (cousins) both of Jonesport," says Charles Moore. "Galen holds the top speed records on the Coast of Maine. He and Troy have both won first place in many races ... and Galen has always been the fastest boat on the pond. These guys should draw thousands by land and sea."

Details of other events and races that will be part of the Eastport Pirate Festival Lobster Boat Race will be announced in July. The race day will have a $20.00 US entry fee that will cover all events.

"Being the first and only International Lobster Boat Race will certainly provide the Amuse-bouche to provide tremendous drawing power on both sides of the border," says Festival chairman Ross Furman. "It will be this year's notch-up that we have been able to offer annually in the process of growing the Eastport Pirate Festival into what has become one of the marquee events of summer on The Coasts of Maine and the Atlantic Maritimes in just five short years."

Lobster Boat racing started in Jonesport in the 1960's. It has a strong following just like NASCAR. Races attract thousands of spectators that come for the day and spend lots of money - infusing the local economy with new dollars. The biggest crowds are drawn to see the stars of the Circuit along with the loudest and fastest boats. The Alley's of Jonesport have that star power. The committee will be actively seeking participation of the other top names in Lobster Boat Racing as well as every fisherman on the Coast of Maine, New Brunswick and the islands off-shore to participate.

For information on participating in the race you can contact Chris Brown at 207-853-4343 or John Miller at 1-800-691-8182.