More Than 2,500 Power Boat Racers Expected At Clearwater Offshore Nationals This Weekend

CLEARWATER, FL — More than 2,500 power boats will line Clearwater Beach this weekend when the city hosts the annual Hooters Clearwater Offshore Nationals power boat races this weekend.

More than 180,000 power boat racing fans, vendors and sponsors are expected to pack the 2.5-mile Saturday and Sunday for the event sanctioned by Race World Offshore.

In addition to boat races, the weekend will feature parties, fireworks, vendors and live entertainment.

The weekend kicks off Friday at 8 p.m. with a party at Shephard's Beach Resort, 619 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach with live music, DJ dancing and drink specials. There is a cover charge to attend.

The action continues with power boat testing in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Spectators can watch from Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach.

Nicknamed the “Dry Pits” power boats will be staged along Clearwater beach and fans will have a chance to see them up close, visit with the teams and get autographs.

There will be vendors and entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Pier 60 and Shephard's Beach Resort will host a party from 8 p.m. to close with a live band and DJ. VIP pass holders will be admitted for free. There will be a cover charge for everyone else.

Powerboat races will take place Sunday beginning at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Pier 60. Entry to Pier 60 begins at 9 a.m. Tickets are available the day of the race at Pier 60 for $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Amplify Clearwater will host a post-race Sunday Funday with live music, an NFL watch party and free access to the beach and hotel bars at 4 p.m.

A race party and awards ceremony will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Marina Cantina Tequila Bar & Grille, 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater. All fans and teams are welcome. There will be happy hour specials and the awards presentation at 6 p.m.

VIP passes are available for $100 for adults and $20 for children 16 and under and include the Baystar Race VIP Party Friday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Clearwater Marine Aquarium where fans can meet race teams and get autographs and photos, enjoy live entertainment and heavy appetizers with liquor, wine and beer, and receive full access to Amplify Clearwater's Taste Fest from 6 to 9 p.m. on the fourth floor of the aquarium where attendees can sample food from more than 20 restaurants.

Other perks for VIP pass holders include:

• Free admission to select weekend events and participating venues.
• 10 percent off your bill at Baystar Restaurants.
• 10 percent off your bill at Evy’s Terrace Bar & Bistro at the Hampton Inn.
• 50 percent off a race-watching cruise with The Tropics Boat Tour.
• Free admission to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
• Free parking downtown.

What You Need To Know

• Spectators can watch all the action from the beach or Pier 60. No chairs or coolers are allowed on the pier.
• Parking may be a challenge on Clearwater Beach. Some parking options to consider are the North Beach Parking Plaza, the Jolley Trolley and the Clearwater Ferry.
• The Seminole Boat Ramp and trailer parking area will be closed Sept. 24-26. Residents looking to launch their boat or park their trailer should seek alternative locations. Limited parking for vehicles without trailers will be available for those visiting the marina or bait shop.

The 2021 Hooters Clearwater Offshore Nationals Festival proceeds will support Tampa Bay Charities Inc. which includes the Clearwater Community Sailing Center and Sailability.

For information, click here.