Super Boat Nationals Speed in this Weekend

Those with a passion for boats, speed and seafood might want to set a course for Clearwater this weekend.

The city is playing host to the 7th annual Bright House Clearwater Super Boat National Championship and Seafood Festival starting on Friday at noon. The three-day event kicks off with the opening of the Baystar Race Village at Coachman Park at noon. This is the place to go to check out super boats on display and meet race participants before the action really gets started.

The annual Super Boat International Parade starts at 6 p.m. with a beginning point of Coachman Park. From there it will head through downtown along Cleveland Street. Friday’s festivities continue with the 500 block of Cleveland Street transforming for a block party from 7 to 11 p.m.

Coachman Park’s Seafood Festival begins at 10 a.m. Saturday as the timed trials on the Gulf are under way. Festival goers should be able to catch glimpses of the racers in action. The fun ends Saturday with a fireworks display after sunset sponsored by Pier 60 Concessions.

Race fans will want to put Sunday on their calendars. The first heat of the race starts at noon with the second following at 1:30 p.m. and the third at 2:30 p.m. Classes of boats competing include Super Boat Stock, Product 3 and 4, Super Boat Vee, Super Boat Extreme and more.

The races themselves can be viewed from Clearwater Beach and Pier 60. Passes for VIP viewing on Pier 60 are also available for purchase Shephard’s Beach Resort plans to host the official “after party” starting at 4 p.m. The racers will earn their awards at 5:30 p.m. back at Coachman Park.

VIP passes for the races are available at the Clearwater Beach Chamber or the Clearwater Regional Chamber offices. The passes provide exclusive access to Pier 60 on race day, admission for autograph signings and private viewing parties. Other perks include free Jolley Trolley rides, restaurant discounts, Clearwater Marine Aquarium discounts and more.

To find out more, visit clearwatersuperboat.com or myclearwater.com.

Patch file photo