Powerboat Races Set to Return Next Month to Ocean City
Bull On The Beach and OPA Racing Team Up For
The Bull On The Beach Offshore Grand Prix Race
04/21/2012
Ocean City- The grand spectacle of offshore powerboat racing is set to return on Mother’s day weekend, May 11th, 12th and 13th, with the arrival of the OPA racing teams from the USA and other countries. For years, the annual Offshore Powerboat Races were a staple in the resort. Last fall, however, the fan favorite, Phil Houck, returned with the National Racing Series. Sponsored in part by Bull On The Beach, Crab Alley, Atlantic Hotel, Quality Inn Boardwalk, Harrison Hall, Flagship Ocean Front, Worcester County, The Dispatch, The U.S. Coastguard, Town of Ocean City and the Judith M.
Offshore racing is not just a visual experience. Beach-goers will be able to hear the roar of the engines as boats pass, engines whining as the leap skyward, and crash through the waves and the wakes left by the competition. As the vessels soar by at speeds of 80, 90 up to 160mph, the vibrant, rocket shaped boats become a flash of color and sound. Offshore racing is likened to the Indy 500, but this is the ocean but we take what Mother Nature gives us with unpredictable waves and water conditions. Powerboat racing is a dangerous sport and safety precautions will include oxygen-equipped boats with med-vac helicopters following the boats closely during the entire race.
This being the first race for the 2012 season and a nationally televised event its attracting race teams from across the country. Competing for price money, trophies and points which will count toward being name National Champion Race Team for the 2012 season. Bull On The Beach who was the National Champion for 2011 and World Champion in 2010, will also be competing this year.
The event begins Friday, May 11th starting at noon at the West Ocean City Boat ramp and public parking lot (Race Village) on Sunset Avenue across from Crab Alley restaurant.
Friday, May 11th at 7pm a welcoming party for racers and their teams will be held at Wild Bills on Baltimore Avenue all fans are welcome.
On Saturday, May 12th the boats will be on display again at Race Village from 10am to 6pm fun for the whole family. Where fans can mingle, take pictures and get autographs from all the race teams.
Saturday, May 12th 7pm welcome party for racers and their teams will be held at the beautiful Crab Alley restaurant (Race Headquarters, for the entire weekend), where all fans are welcome.
Finally, Sunday May 13th is race Day and the boats on display all weekend will line up in the West Ocean City Harbor and proceed to the race course which is from 4th street to 34th street. All the race boats will depart in single file to the milling area in the ocean around 40th street. The first race begins around noon with the boats racing in a modified rectangle from 4th st to 34th st for 7-12 laps. The start/finish line at the beautiful host hotel, The Quality Inn on 17th St. The second race is set to begin approximately 2pm to follow the same format.
For the best seats for the race the Judith M will be the official start finish boat directly in the middle of the race course where race officials and the media will be onboard (see our ad in this Dispatch for available seating on the Judith M.)
Sunday May 13th 7pm awards party at Crab Alley Restaurant all fans and media are welcome!
The "Judith M" is the Official Start/Finish Boat for the Offshore Powerboat Races on Sunday, May 13. Race Officials and Media will be onboard and you can be part of the Action ! Get the best view from the boat, Tickets are just $20.
Visit the" Bull on the Beach" or "Crab Alley" for Tickets or Call 410-213-2555 or 386-931-8368
Boat will depart Bahia Marina at 11 AM : Don't miss out on a Great Time !
HOST HOTEL
