If you’re a fan of big boats going really, really fast – think 140 mph – next weekend is your Christmas in April.
For the first time in seven years, powerboat racing will return to Marathon with Race World Offshore (RWO)’s 7 Mile Grand Prix, taking place on April 28-30. With the addition of the new officially-sanctioned race, the Florida Keys will now bookend the American Power Boat Association (APBA)’s National Series, which returns in November for its conclusion in Key West.
“When I saw them moving all the construction equipment off the (Old Seven Mile) bridge, that’s when I started planning to have this as part of our national series,” RWO President Larry Bleil told the Weekly. “I’m just really proud and excited to bring this event to two places in Monroe County.”
With a 5.6-mile course that runs along the Old Seven Mile Bridge in its final straightaways before the finish, spectators can watch the epic duels between 12 classes of boats boasting thousands of horsepower by land or by sea, in addition to opportunities for dry pit visits and post-race parties at local businesses throughout the weekend.
“We want to thank Faro Blanco Resort, Faro Blanco Marina, the Courtyard Marriott, Aquarium Encounters, Sunset Grille and all our other hospitality sponsors for hosting us,” said RWO managing director Atif Awan, giving additional nods to the city of Marathon, Tourist Development Council and nearly 30 other event sponsors, including a newly-announced partnership with Monster Energy.
“The city of Marathon is absolutely pleased that the powerboat races are back in our neighborhood,” said Marathon City Manager George Garrett. “We look forward to watching the event … and having a great time while doing it.”
The Keys Weekly took time to sort through all available information about the races and sat down with Bleil and Awan on April 18 to clarify a few final pointers. Here’s what spectators need to know:
ADMISSION
Viewing the races from the Old Seven Mile Bridge is FREE.
Two-day VIP packages are available for purchase for $300 and include designated seating, food and drinks and admission to special events throughout the weekend. More details are at raceworldoffshore.com
WATCH THE RACES
The primary viewing area is on the Old Seven Mile Bridge, but spectators may be able to see some parts of the races from the western gulfside edge of Marathon as shown in the course map. Reserved VIP areas will be sectioned off on portions of Old Seven as well as the park at the base of the bridge. Spectators are welcome to watch from the water, provided they stay behind the spectator vessel lines as indicated on the course map.
THE RACE SCHEDULE
Offshore testing will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Saturday’s races are scheduled to run from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday’s races, including several classes of larger boats, will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a full schedule, including individual class races, visit raceworldoffshore.com/marathon.
SEE THE BOATS
Fans may visit boats and their race crews from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, at the dry pit locations at San Pablo Catholic Church and the west end of the Marathon International Airport. With additional security considerations, inspections and fueling occurring at the airport pit location, fans are encouraged to visit San Pablo as the primary dry pit location. Wet pits are located at Faro Blanco Marina.
THE PARKING
Parking for spectators is available at Marathon Community Park. The Pigeon Key train will run every 15 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to deliver spectators from the park to Sunset Grille, where they can walk to the bridge. VIP guests may park at Sunset Grille.
THE PARTIES
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters will host a welcome party for racers and fans from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28 with an after-party at Faro Blanco Resort. An awards ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 30 at Faro Blanco with an after-party to follow.
CLOSURES
Due to the races, the 33rd Street boat ramp and Old Seven Mile Bridge parking area will be closed on April 29 and 30.
The area around the race course and under the east end of the Seven Mile Bridge will be closed to vessel traffic throughout Saturday and Sunday. The area will temporarily open to boat traffic from noon to 1 p.m. each day.
