The roar of racing boats has been enveloping Sarasota shores every summer since 1985, and this year’s Powerboat Grand Prix promises to be one of the biggest events yet. The races feature various sizes of powerful, thundering watercraft competing at the event produced by and benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children.
The headline Super Stock races are Saturday and Sunday. They feature open canopy 28-foot Panther boats that are competing as part of the Powerboat P1 race circuit. Powerboat race teams compete in a variety of pro and amateur races in eight different classes, from production class boats to Extreme Class boats that can average over 150 mph.
The best way to watch is from a boat of your own (or a friend’s). There are designated spectator lines around the Lido Key race course area that let waterborne enthusiasts see everything as up close as safety allows. For those on a budget or who are landlocked, you can always watch from Lido Beach. For landlubbers with the means, a VIP race viewing ticket costs $100 and includes parking, a trolley ride to the Sandcastle Resort, free food, and a cash bar.
Local teams to watch include Alex And Ani competing against GEICO in the Extreme Class, AMH Construction and Twisted Metal competing within Super Vee Class, and War Paint and Sailor Jerry competing within the Super Cat Class. Local favorites in the AquaX races include Eric Lagopoulos and Jason Russo, both from Sarasota competing in the Pro Enduro Class.
Share the Beach
Powerboat Grand Prix organizers want to spread their “share the beach” message to raise awareness about protecting local wildlife during the event. To protect nesting sea turtles, beachgoers must refrain from setting up on the beach until sunrise. Always give right of way to manatees and do not touch them. Also boaters should know that new pass will be closed to public boat traffic on both race days from 8:30 am until 5 p.m.
Schedule
“Grand Prix by the Sea” Kickoff Party
6-10 p.m. Tuesday: Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard; $100
A party at the Sarasota Yacht Club featuring a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and live music by Kettle of Fish. Tickets for purchase online for $100 at sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.orgProceeds go to support Suncoast Charities for Children.
Fleming’s Fan Fest
5-9 p.m. Wednesday; Fleming’s Steakhouse, 2001 Siesta Drive, Sarasota; free admission
Meet race teams at Fleming’s from 5 to 9 p.m. and enjoy a specially priced happy hour and purchase festival merchandise.
Meet & Greet Who’s In The Driver’s Seat Team Reception
12-2 p.m. Friday; Hyatt Regency Ballroom, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts; $5 adults; 12 and younger free
Boats on Main Downtown Block Party
6-11 p.m. Friday; downtown Sarasota
Friday Street Closings:
Main Street: Orange Ave. to Palm Ave. closing 3:30-11 p.m.
Lemon Avenue.: First St. to State St. closing at 10 a.m.–midnight
Central Avenue: Main St. to First St. closing 3:30-11 p.m.
Pineapple Avenue: State St. to First St. closing 3:30-11 p.m.
Super Stock Races
Lido Beach; 400 Ben Franklin Drive, Lido Key
Saturday
Superstock and Aqua X Races (qualifying) at Lido Beach, live race broadcast and activities at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Powerboat Open practice at Lido Beach 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
VIP Race Viewing at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $100 per person
Sunday
Powerboat Races at Lido Beach and P1 Superstock and AquaX Races (Final Round), live race broadcast and activities at Sandcastle Resort from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m., open to the public.
VIP Race viewing at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $100 per person
Race team award presentations at Centennial Park at 5 p.m., open to the public
Bayfront Fireworks
Monday, July 4
Although not officially part of the Grand Prix, the Suncoast Charities for Children, in partnership with Marina Jack, helps raise the money to produce the Bayfront Fireworks.
This year’s parade and bikini contest have been canceled. Photo by Thomas Bender
Parade Canceled
The other Suncoast Charities for Children sponsored event, Thunder By The Bay, which takes place in January, drew criticism from some downtown businesses when it closed off large sections of downtown. This year, the Grand Prix will not feature a boat parade as it has in years past but Nicandri says that, “Discussions surrounding Thunder By The Bay have not impacted the Grand Prix Festival. A decision was made by the charity to expand the Block Party instead of a Parade of Boats this year.”
She notes that added expenses for 200 metal barricades, increased security and public works labor costs along with ongoing construction on Gulfstream and Cocoanut avenues factored into the decision.
Also, the popular bikini contest has been canceled.
“Due to the increase in the number, and size, of race teams competing this year compounded with the decision to conduct an expanded block party since there will not be a parade, more space was needed for setup,” Nicandri says.
―By Rick Dakan
