CAMDEN — They gave it all they had, the 30 competitors who lined up on the Camden docks to take turns ripping across the water over slippery wooden lobster crates. Their goal: To see whose feet could master the most crates in two minutes. They ranged in age from 5 to 38, and in the end, it was 9-year-old Lucas Drinkwater, who took the lead.

He sped over the string of tied up crates, back and forth, totaling 321 crates in two minutes. Behind him, Oscar Horowitz, age 13, with 316 crates; and in third place, Emerson Brett, age 12, with 275 crates.

Ringing the watery arena, crowds cheered each contestant forward as the clocked ticked. Spectators sat on nearby boats, in kayaks, schooners and skiffs, and they lined the boardwalk overlooking the harbor.

The annual crate race is a high point of the Windjammer Festival, and temperatures on Saturday, Sept. 5, were hot enough that the almost inevitable slide into the water was almost a relief. Two Camden firefighters trained in water rescue paddled nearby throughout the entire event, just in case.

Crate-racing is not for the faint of heart. It involves speed and a light tread. Beyond that, however, everyone’s technique was unique: Some had finessed their footwork, breezing over the slatted crates barely touching the wood. Others tried slower, more deliberate gaits, and to the surprise of the crowd, made it back and forth without falling in the water. Some wore Crocs, some sneakers.

In the end, it came down to speed and those slight of build who took the lead. And those who found the water a little sooner, they just fell in with style, and a smile.

Many of the racers were local, but several were from out of town, including a young brother and sister from Ontario. They watched it last year, decided to compete this weekend, and intend to return next year, with sharpened skills.

Volunteers from Camden National Bank helped the crate athletes, while Seth Silverton and Harbor Master Steve Pixley kept a running commentary on the competition. Jessica Manbeck helped keep the books, and John Viehman organized, and kept the event running smoothly.

Competitors this year included:

Michael Brennan, 12

Brian Kevin, 35

Elijah Potter, 10

Mike Rogers, 10

Oliver Denner-Dora, 9

Oscar Horovitz, 13

Maxton Petty, 5

Veronica Petty, 8

Emerson Brett, 12

Lucas Drinkwater, 9

Alley Johnson, 11

Tommaso Cerotolini, 7

Dom Domareki, 7

Finn Atonson, 12

James Atonson, 9

Dena Arrison, 12

Alex Arrison, 8

Tanner Robinson, 12

Carlton Richmond, 11

Gabe Ruesswick, 12

Sam Conlan, 13

Angus Carter, 13

Sam Skovran, 10

William Gardner, 12

Adam Ratternee, 34

Ionut Lodge, 15

Lily Enggass, 10

Boston Enggass, 8

Dharma Sawyer, 38

Nigel, 13

The Camden Windjammer Festival is a community-led celebration of Camden’s maritime heritage and living traditions. The festival is coordinated by the nonprofit Camden Windjammer Festival Inc.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657