Do you have the need for speed?
Then you won’t want to miss the 35th Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix!
With 50 teams from around the world set to compete, this year’s race promises to be bigger and better than ever.
What is the Powerboat Grand Prix?
The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is part Offshore Powerboat Association Offshore Championship Series.
Locally, the race is sponsored by Suncoast Charities for Children.
Lucy Nicandri, director of Suncoast, told the Herald Tribune:
Every year we hope to ensure that a significant amount of net proceeds are generated to continue to fulfill our mission of supporting five local nonprofit agencies which provide programs and services every year to over 5,000 local children, teens, and adults with special needs.
While the actual race is on Sunday, July 7, there’s a full festival of fun events to attend before the main event!
The Powerboat Grand Prix Festival
Even if a powerboat race isn’t quite your thing (you should check it out anyway), there are plenty of other events happening in the run-up!
Saturday, June 29: 4th Annual Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic at 10:00 am
Sunday, June 30: Boat & Personal Watercraft Fun Run at 10:00 am
Tuesday, July 2: “The Friendliest Catch” Fishing Tournament at 9:00 am
Wednesday, July 3: Bayfront Grand Prix Festival Kick Off Party at 6:00 pm
Thursday, July 4: Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular at 9:00 pm
Friday, July 5: “Meet and Greet Who’s in the Driver’s Seat” Race Team Autograph Signing Event at 1:30 pm
Friday, July 5: “Boats on the Block” Block Party at 6:00 pm
Saturday, July 6: Car & Motorcycle Show at 9:00 am
For more details on locations and event pricing, see the full event schedule on the official event website.
How to Watch the Powerboat Grand Prix
There are three ways that you can watch the Grand Prix on race day.
Option 1: Free seating/viewing at Lido Beach Best Viewing.
Option 2: VIP Race Viewing at Sandcastle Resort on Lido Beach. Your VIP ticket includes:
- One complimentary parking spot in the South Lido Beach parking lot, with a continuous trolley shuttle (9:30 am – 4:30 pm) to the VIP tent behind the Sandcastle Resort.
- Complimentary buffet, 3 complimentary drink tickets (full bar will be available), access to indoor restroom facilities, and comfortable seating under a large tent located right on the beach close to the start/finish line of the races.
- Special welcome bag upon arrival.
- Access to “Flag to Flag” live race coverage
Option 3: Watch via livestream from wherever you might be! Link here.
Are you ready to race? See you at Lido Beach!
