Hull YC MA: Sat 03 Jul – Flaming Lobstahs

Sonia and I had the very good fortune to be invited aboard the lobster boat Windermere to watch a part of the Fourth of July fireworks demonstrations. I say “a part” because in this neck of the woods fireworks demonstrations are a contact sport. The watch period is spread over several days and locals compete for best presentation. In the town of Hull the contests are so important that one block of neighbors competes against the next.



On Windermere, a Maine built boat with sweet lines and accommodations of yacht quality, Captain Peter Maloney is in his element. He's a superb mariner and fisherman whose experience ranges from yacht deliveries to professional fishing and beyond. We were among about 12 guests who were “forced” to enjoy soft-shell lobsters, a new experience for me and also for Sonia, who had until this evening never hazarded a lobster encounter, soft shelled or otherwise. We both loved it. When we arrived in the viewing area we rafted on three other lobstermen, sterns facing the fireworks barge, and watched over an hour of continuous pyrotechnics. Since fireworks are a favorite of Sonia, she was in heaven the entire evening. Meanwhile I kept right on the track of errant lobsters. Not a one got away.