Offshore Nationals Powerboat Races Return To Clearwater Sept. 23-25

CLEARWATER, FL — It's like NASCAR on water.

Clearwater will host the best of Offshore Powerboat Racing’s teams this weekend when the 2022 Baystar Clearwater Offshore Nationals returns Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For the past decade, powerboat racing fans have had a beachfront seat in Clearwater Beach to watch the fastest boats in America. Now, it's getting even bigger with its new partnership with Race World Offshore (the official sanctioning body).

On race day, more than 50,000 people and 2,500 boats will line the beaches of the 2.5-mile-long racecourse. In all, more than 180,000 powerboat fans are expected to descend on Clearwater Beach.

Featured events include:

Kick-Off Race Weekend

On Friday, Shephard's Beach Resort, 619 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, will have a live band and DJ on the Tiki Beach stage from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Race fans can also dance the night away in the Wave Nightclub at Shephard's from 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. with no cover and drink specials available after 8 p.m.

Race World Offshore Testing

Saturday, there will be Race World Offshore testing of powerboats from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Spectators can watch from the beach.

Sunset At Pier 60

On Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., there will be a special edition of Sunset at Pier 60 with vendors and live entertainment.

Big Night Out

Shephard's Beach Resort will host a Big Night Out Saturday starting at 8 p.m. with live music on the Tiki Beach stage from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., VIP tables at the Wave Nightclub from 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. and drink specials.

Power Boat Races

On Sunday, there will be power boat races at 11 a.m., 12:30, 2 and 3 p.m. with multiple classes per race.

Entry begins at 9:30 a.m. for viewing from Pier 60. Raceday tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Race Party And Awards Ceremony

The awards ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at Marina Cantina, 25 Causeway Blvd., featuring happy hour specials. Fans and teams are all welcome.

Race Weekend Finale

There will be live music, drink specials and beach fun at Shephard's Tiki Beach from 4 p.m. to close.

Race Day Cruises

The Tropics Boat Tours will give fans a front-row seat to the action on Sunday, departing at 9:30 a.m. from Clearwater Beach Marina, 25 Causeway Blvd., Slip 5, and returning at 3:30 p.m.

The double-decker catamaran will take passengers on a leisurely cruise through Clearwater Pass into the Gulf of Mexico and then enter the inside of the race perimeter through an exclusive access point.

The cruise includes coffee and pastries at boarding, a Baystar Restaurant Lunch Buffet, and a live broadcast of the races on board. There will be a full liquor bar with signature cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks as well.

Click here for tickets.

Charities

The 2022 Baystar Clearwater Offshore Nationals Festival proceeds will support Tampa Bay Charities Inc. which includes the Clearwater Community Sailing Center and Sailability.

Sailability Greater Tampa Bay’s mission is to provide affordable, accessible sailing activities and education to children and adults of all abilities, focusing on community integration to improve the quality of life for all involved.

The Clearwater Community Sailing Center promotes sportsmanship and inclusion while providing safe and enriching sailing opportunities for youth, seniors and the disabled.

Transportation

The easiest way to reach the race is to take the Clearwater Jolley Trolley from the Park Street Bus Terminal, from Osceola at Drew Street in front of the Clearwater Main Library, from Osceola at Cleveland Street and from Osceola in front of City Hall. Click here.