Event Information
Derby Guidelines
Hardware Pickup
Awards
Sponsors

Welcome to the Bath Buoy Derby!

You’ve definitely heard of the Kentucky Derby, probably a Pinewood Derby, and maybe the Pumpkin Derby - but you've never heard of a BUOY DERBY! Gear up for something uniquely Maine to join the ranks of the State's quirkiest contests such as the Cod Fish Races, Pumpkin Regatta, and the Great Lobster Crate Race. Join Bath at Play for the very original FIRST ANNUAL racing of the buoys in downtown Bath this July 12. 

The Buoy Derby is a Pinewood or Soap-Box (small gravity racer) style event where participants build, decorate and race a lobster buoy down the hill of Lambard Street in the heart of downtown Bath, Maine. This first-of-its-kind event is open to participants age 18 and under and is LIMITED TO 50 RACERS. Prizes for speed but also prize categories related to creativity and craftsmanship. 

We will provide racers with the buoy and necessary hardware for your crustacean racing sensation - YOU get to rig it out for speed and style. 

We can't wait to see you at the starting gate on Sunday July 12, 2026.

Space is Limited, Register Today!

Awards:

Buoys will be judged and awarded across the following categories:

  • Fastest on the Course:

    • First, Second, and Third Place

  • Best Decorated:

    • “One of a Kind” (Most Original)

    • “City of Ships” (Quintessential Bath)

    • “True Mainah” (Most Maine)

    • “The Tinkerer” (Most Over-Engineered)

    • “Unicorn Lobster” (Silliest)

    • “Flotsam & Jetsam” (Best Use of Recycled Materials)

Turn This:

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Buoy Derby Guidelines:

  • Racers must register and pick-up their buoy kit in advance (see pickup options) 

  • All racers must use hardware included in kit

  • Buoy decorations are limited to the following restrictions:

    • Weight: Maximum 15 pounds

    • Width: 12" (or within the width of the supplied axles)

    • NO motors

  • Allowed Modifications:

    • Over-engineered additions

    • Go-fast paint jobs

    • Contouring of foam buoy (tread carefully!)

  • Check-in is in person at 11AM on Sunday July 12, 2026 

  • Racing begins at High Noon

Race Hardware Pick-up:

Race packet pick-up will be available starting June 14 until July 10 in the following locations & times:

  • Mondays at the Patten Free Library, Community Room (during Minecraft Club), 3:30-4:30PM

  • During Bath at Play's Heritage Games, Friday July 3, Library Park, Bath, ME, 1PM-4PM. 

  • Additional times and locations to be announced

Your Buoy Derby Hardware Kit will Include:

  • A 5x11" Foam Lobster Buoy

  • 4x 4" Wheels

  • 2x 12" Axles

  • 20x Hex Nuts

  • 12x Flat Washers

  • 4x Acorn Cap Nuts

  • Buoy Derby Racer Assembly Instructions

Thank you to our Sponsors and Community Partners!