CLEARWATER, Fla. - This weekend Clearwater Beach will transform into a destination for those feeling the need for speed.
The Bright House Clearwater Super Boat National Championship and Seafood Festival is Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.
The 8th annual Bright House Clearwater Super Boat National Championship and
Seafood Festival will start its engines on Friday, Sept. 30 at the Baystar
Race Village in downtown Clearwater, where the super boats will be on display.
Guests can meet the racers, get up close with some of the world's fastest
super boats and enjoy some live entertainment. The annual super boat
international parade starts at 6 p.m. then the downtown excitement of the 500
Block Cleveland Street Party rocks from 7 to 11 p.m. The Black Honkeys will
play a free concert at the Capitol Theatre for those with V.I.P. passes. After
that, head over to Shephard's Beach Resort to see Sister Hazel in concert
starting at 10:30 p.m., and free to V.I.P members as well.
The fun doesn't stop there. On Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. there will be a seafood
festival in Coachman Park. Guests can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes,
refreshments and specialty vendors. Timed trials on the Gulf will be ongoing
throughout the day, offering onlookers a sneak peak of Sunday's races. After
all that excitement the day will go out with a bang as fireworks will fill the
sky above the beach after sunset, followed by a V.I.P. party at Shephard's
from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Then strap in, sit back and take in all the super boat action on Sunday, Oct.
2. Super boats will take to the water traveling at speeds of up to 180 miles
per hour on a 2.5 mile water course. There will be three races. The first will
kick-off at noon with the others starting at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Spectators can see all the action from the beach, Pier 60, designated VIP
viewing parties and a designated spectator fleet viewing area. Following the
races, Shephard's Beach Resort will be hosting the official "Beach After
Party" starting at 4 p.m. Those with V.I.P. passes will be able to enjoy this
party free of charge.
National champions will be recognized at the Bright House Clearwater Super
Boat awards ceremony at marina cantina at 5:30 p.m., on Sunday.
VIP passes can be purchased at the Clearwater Beach Chamber or the Clearwater
Regional Chamber. Passes include exclusive access to Pier 60 on race day,
admission to autograph signings and private viewing parties; free admission to
Black Honkeys and Sister Hazel concerts, free Jolley Trolley rides; admission
to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium; 10% off Baystar restaurants; 10% off the
entire check at Jimmy's Crow's Nest; free sailboat rides and paddleboard demos
at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center and more.
Various dining specials, viewing parties and race day activities will be held
at local businesses throughout the weekend. For more information on VIP
tickets and events, parking and a list of prohibited items, visit
clearwatersuperboat.com or myclearwater.com. For more information on V.I.P.
packages visit,
clearwatersuperboat.com/clearwater-super-boat-vip-packages.html. To live
stream the event on race day, visit
https://livestream.com/sbi/clearwaterbeach2016.
Parking will once again be a challenge on Clearwater Beach. The city wants to
remind visitors you can park downtown Clearwater for free and take the
Clearwater Ferry across to the beach. This helps beach goers avoid waiting in
traffic and trying to find a parking spot.