Powerboat races roaring into Destin October 29th

The Offshore Powerboat Races are coming back to Destin, Florida this year with the biggest, loudest and fastest powerboats to compete for the Destin World Cup. The seven day event, presented by, Legendary, Inc. and Destin Commons, will be held October 29th through November 4th, 2007 and will feature over 50 boats from the Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association (OSS).

Destin’s spectacular beach venue is a perfect match for the powerboat competitors, sponsors and fans alike with a racecourse layout in the Gulf of Mexico that gives spectators outstanding skybox seats for every race. At speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, the powerboats may seem more like a blur, but this is one Emerald Coast event you won’t want to miss!

Leading up to the races, there will be several days of pre-event activities, including parties, practices, and meet the team’s mixers. The dates of qualifying and final races are scheduled for October 30th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; October 31st from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; November 1st from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; November 2nd from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; November 3rd from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and November 4th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. followed by an awards ceremony at Destin Commons’ Center Court at 6:00 p.m.

Prime viewing areas for the races are along the beach or on a boat. The race course is located offshore in the Gulf of Mexico waters, east of the Jetties at the Destin East Pass. The course is approximately 6.84 miles and stretches from Holiday Isle to Henderson Beach State Park with multiple turns to add excitement to the race competition. Public beach viewing access is at Henderson Beach State Park, from your condominium or hotel balconies, at restaurants along the race course or from the VIP area at Silver Shells Resort. Another way to see the races is by private boat, charter boat or dolphin cruise boats from the Destin Harbor.

Race Village, where the public has access to the actual race boats and their crews when the boats are not in the water for testing and/or racing, will be at Destin Commons daily from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and is free to the public. Visitors can mingle with the drivers, race crews and race sponsors, take photos, get autographs and see the boats up close as the crews prepare for racing.

The Wet Pits are located at Legendary Yacht Club and Marina, on the south side of Mid-Bay Bridge and are open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Spectator viewing is limited from viewing stands located on the Marina property.

Destin, Florida offers an array of places to stay -- from beach homes and beach side condominiums to brand name hotels and local inns. To find a place to stay during this event week, visit our website and book with one of our sponsor partners. 

Proceeds from the 2007 Destin World Cup Offshore Power Boat Races after expenses are paid will be donated to the Destin Beach Safety Patrol through the Destin Fire Rescue Foundation. The Destin World Cup proudly supports the mission of the Destin Beach Safety Patrol (DBSP), “to make the most beautiful beaches in the world the safest beaches in the world...".

Published on Thursday, August 23, 2007