Enjoy 3 days of high-power fun when the Super Boats come to town!
The roar and excitement of high-power offshore powerboat racing comes to Clearwater Beach September 30 to October 2 for the third annual Bright House Clearwater Super Boat National Championship. Organizers are hoping for a repeat performance of last year when picture-perfect weather brought huge crowds to the beach for a weekend of family fun and racing action.
An estimated 100,000 plus people were part of the three-day race weekend festival last year, according to the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. Spectators came by boat or converged on local beaches in hotels, restaurants and condos to watch up to 40 teams compete in both open-air and cockpit racing boats.
“This will be a very family-friendly event, starting Friday and continuing through Sunday,” says event co-founder Brian Aungst Sr.
Family Fun Weekend
Once again, the Baystar Race Village at Coachman Park will be the dry pit area and a hub of entertainment and race-related activities all three days. Festivities will kick off from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday with Blast Friday, Presented by Bright House Networks on Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater and will include a Parade of Boats, live music, food vendors, a kid’s poker run and a cha–nce to meet the drivers and teams. On Saturday at Pier 60, the Coast Guard will bring in helicopters for an exciting rescue demonstration, and that night Pier 60 will be the happening spot for live music, an outdoor family movie and a fireworks show.
The new waterfront docks at Coachman Park are the wet pit area. Races are scheduled for noon and 2 p.m. Sunday, with practice from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Free viewing along the 2.5-mile course can be found along the beach from the Sandpearl Resort (where the start/finish line is) to just south of Pier 60. Tickets are available to view the races from Pier 60 for between $5 and $20.
Top Boats Compete
Super Boat International is the official sanctioning body for offshore powerboat racing around the world. Races take place in seven locations across the United States and Clearwater Beach is a key race in the circuit.
“This is the National Championship which qualifies boats for the World Championship in Key West in November, so we expect most of the world’s top teams will be here,” says Aungst, who teamed up with local businessman Frank Chivas to bring the first Super Boat race to Clearwater Beach in 2009.
“It’s a labor of love for us and the team of individuals from the city, the chambers and a number of other businesses that help put it on,” says Aungst, who is an executive for Bright House Networks, the race’s title sponsor. Destination Publications is also a sponsor of the event.
“The race is our way of giving back to the community and helping the tourism industry. All the proceeds go to area charities” says Chivas who is the owner of the Baystar restaurant group another key race sponsor. The area charities that will benefit from the event are a part of Tampa Bay Charities, Inc. They are the Clearwater Community Sailing Center, the Make a Difference Fishing Tournament and Sailability. These agencies make boating activities available to area residents who might not otherwise have an opportunity to enjoy them. The Fishing Derby helps children with disabilities enjoy the simple joy and camaraderie of fishing.
VIP Viewing Tickets Available
For the best weekend experience, Aungst recommends the VIP Package Ticket for $100 adult/$25 children 16 and under, which includes race viewing in the VIP areas at the Hyatt Regency and the Hilton Clearwater Beach and admission to the VIP viewing area at the end of Pier 60. The package also includes VIP parties on Friday and Saturday evenings and an after-race party on Sunday and other perks. Tickets are available through the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce at (727) 461-0011 and the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce at (727) 447-7600.
Plenty of parking is available in downtown Clearwater at various lots and garages. The Jolley Trolley will provide shuttle service on Saturday and Sunday every 20 minutes between Coachman Park and Pier 60.
All events and information are subject to change. Go to www.ClearwaterSuperBoat.com for complete and updated information.
By Marcia Biggs
Published in Destination Tampa Bay magazine 2011