CLEARWATER - There are hundreds of nicknames, mottos and slogans for places all over the USA and soon Clearwater will have a new motto known far and wide titled “Eat My Wake.”
Why? Because Super Boat International and Brighthouse Networks are bringing some of the fastest and largest offshore power boats in the world to Clearwater, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 2-4, for Clearwater’s first-ever Super Boat National Championship Festival.
Equipped with F-16 jet canopies and extreme speeds of up to 200 mph, these power boats will compete in front of a predicted 40,000-plus spectators and fans coming from all over Florida and other parts of the nation. Plenty of parking will be available in downtown Clearwater with rides to and from the beach via the Jolly Trolley.
Miss Geico and Seminole Hard Rock Casino are some of the reported teams to be competing in the festival. These mad machines will be manned by a partnership of superb drivers controlling the boats steering and throttlemen responsible for operating up to four engines capable of producing more than 6,000 horsepower, creating a high-energy spectacular show tackling the choppy Gulf waters at mind blowing speeds.
The jammed-packed festival will be free for the entire family with:
- Parties at Coachman Park and Pier 60 all weekend;
- Loads of food and libations;
- Ability to see the boats at dry dock at Coachman Park and meet some of the drivers;
- Ability to watch the boats practice at Clearwater Beach before the big race;
About Clearwater’s Super Boat National Championship Festival
When Super Boat International (SBI) founder and 30-year veteran, John Carbonell, wanted to produce Clearwater’s first Super Boat National Championship Festival two local area businessmen made it happen: Restaurateur Frank Chivas and Former Mayor of Clearwater Brian Aungst Sr.
Carbonell has been producing the World Championship Races in Key West every year for three decades as well as the races in Sarasota every 4th of July. Now Clearwater, the next “new great location” will have something Key West doesn’t have…the absence of cruise ships obstructing the race sight lines.
“It’s a great time of year to support the tourism industry,” said Aungst. “[SBI] needed another spot and Clearwater Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in the world.”
Clearwater’s Super Boat National Championship Festival will be produced by Super Boat International, presented by Brighthouse Networks and sponsored by Bud Light Lime and the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.
