THE U-TURN: Deer Isle fisherman wins grand prize at boat race

Local captain drives away with brand new $30k side-by-side vehicle

Eaton in his new side-by-side. Photo by Jessi Hardy.

Aug. 10, 2026

By Jessi Hardy

Jeff Eaton, captain of F/V La Bella Vita of Deer Isle, won big at the Winter Harbor Boat Races last weekend.

Eaton took home the grand prize at the Aug. 8 event:, a Kawasaki side-by-side valued at $30,000.

“I can’t believe it,” Eaton said.

A side-by-side is a utility terrain vehicle, or UTV, and is typically used for off-road conditions.

Eaton, his wife Karen, and their dog Dug sat in their new wheels before taking it for a ride around Winter Harbor. Congratulations!

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