marathon offshore powerboat race

7-Mile Offshore Grand Prix to Speed into Marathon April 26-28

Powerful offshore powerboats racing at high speeds near the world-famous Seven Mile Bridge are to show their muscle Friday through Sunday, April 26-28, when the 7-Mile Offshore Grand Prix roars into the Middle Keys. 

The challenge is the second annual Race World Offshore (RWO) powerboat race to take place in Marathon as part of the American Power Boat Association’s Offshore National Championship Series. It serves as the opening event for RWO’s 2024 season.

Race teams are to come from around the United States, Bermuda and as far away as the United Kingdom to compete in Marathon.

Eleven classes of boats are to participate in the challenge, with the largest classes racing Sunday — including the Super Cat that can achieve speeds of up to 140 mph — on a course that provides spectators an adrenaline-inducing, close-up viewing experience.

A free-admission opening event, set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, 11710 Overseas Highway, is to welcome race teams and fans.

Races are to take place Saturday with the smaller class vessel race brackets taking to the water from 1:30-4 p.m.

Sunday is to feature four races beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending with the 3:30 p.m. Super Cat competition. 

The pedestrian-friendly Old Seven Mile Bridge is to be the primary viewing area for spectators, with 90% of the 5.6-mile counterclockwise race course viewable from the span that parallels the contemporary bridge. According to race organizers, the old bridge will be open to the public with free admission, with one section reserved for VIP viewing. 

Race World Offshore plans to set up its VIP hospitality area below the northeast end (Marathon side) of the Old Seven Mile Bridge. VIP guests will be allowed to park at Sunset Grille, 7 Knights Key Blvd., and walk under the bridge.

Free general-admission parking is to be available at Marathon Community Park with shuttle service to Sunset Grille. There will be no general-admission parking at Sunset Grille or on-site at the entrance to the Old Seven Mile Bridge. VIP ticket holders will receive a parking pass at will call. 

Race fans can enjoy free admission to the dry pit area at San Pablo Catholic Church, 550 122nd St. oceanside , to view high-speed boats and meet race teams and crew from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Wet pits, located at Suntex Faro Blanco Marina, 1996 Overseas Highway , are to be open to the public Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Events culminate Sunday evening with an awards ceremony and an after party, with the final location to be determined. 

Race schedules, VIP tickets and information: raceworldoffshore.com/marathon

Marathon visitor information: fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284 

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2nd Annual 7 Mile Offshore Grand Prix APBA National Series Race

April 26 @ 8:00 am - april 28 @ 5:00 pm.

Race Day Viewing & Parking

Raceboats will navigate a new course in the Gulf of Mexico, close to shore, that allows fans the ultimate experience as teams race alongside the recently renovated 7 Mile Bridge. A unique twist, VIP tents and race day viewing has been granted to RWO on the 7 Mile Bridge.

Free General Admission

Racing is scheduled for Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th. VIP tickets are good for both days of racing and viewers can also watch all races from the 7 Mile Bridge. Please note important details below to help plan your day!

• Free Parking available at Marathon City Park and will shuttle to Sunset Grille.
• Pigeon Key Shuttle will operate from 9:30-4:30 (or at the conclusion of the last race) to transport viewers to and from the race site.
• There will be no general admission parking access at Sunset Grille or onsite at the 7 Mile Bridge.
• VIP ticket holders will receive a parking pass at will call.

The 2023 hospitality experience is set and excitement builds as we get ready for the season’s first National Series race of the year. Our VIP experience includes viewing from under the tents on the water’s edge. All this located just at the foot of 7-Mile Bridge. Also accessible will be viewing from the Grand 7-Mile Bridge, high atop the race course.

There will be two action packed days of qualifying, testing and racing. The World’s biggest boats are coming to Marathon.

Feel like you are part of all the action as you relax and enjoy this hospitality experience, while in a front-row seat with the two day VIP package.  CLICK HERE  to purchase your tickets now!

SIGN UP NOW: contact us at [email protected].

Official Sponsors

Marathon Hotel Sponsors

We are so grateful to all of the sponsoring hotels for this event. Without their support, we would not be capable of accommodating all of our guests who share the same passion for racing we do. Click on any of the logos to book your stay for the first race of the 2023 season!

Key West’s  Conch Republic  Days features a myriad of fun-filled family friendly events (many free) held at some of the island’s most unique and historic venues.

The celebrations honor the 1982 founding of the island nation of the Conch Republic (Key West and the Florida Keys) formed in response to actions by the US Border Patrol when the US Government put up a federal blockade in Florida City.

7 Mile Offshore Grand Prix – Race Course

Event Schedule

2024 proposed events. Schedule subject to change.

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Related Events

Thunder on Cocoa Beach Offshore Powerboat Races 2024

Clearwater Offshore Nationals 2024

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Official 2024 APBA Offshore National Series Schedule Robust

Between longtime events and new ones produced by Powerboat P1 and Race World Offshore , teams competing in the 2024 American Power Boat Association Offshore National Championship Series have a diverse eight-event mix of venues and waterways to consider. This preseason has seen more last-minute shuffling than most—more specifically, the annual event at the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri to be produced by Powerboat P1 is officially part of the APBA series as well as the now five-event Union Internationale Motonautique Class 1 World Championship Series.

Both Powerboat P1 and Race World Offshore are APBA member-organizations.

In addition to longstanding events such as Thunder On Cocoa Beach, the 2024 APBA Offshore National Championship Series includes first- and second year-events. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix .

Here’s a quick look at the APBA lineup for 2024:

April 27-28 —Marathon, Fla. (RWO) May 17-19 —Cocoa Beach, Fla. (P1) May 31-June 1 —Lake Ozark, Mo. (P1) June 7-9 —Ocean City, Md. (RWO) August 9-11 —Sheboygan, Wis. (P1) September 13-15 —Sarasota, Fla. (P1) September 27-29 —Clearwater, Fla. (RWO) October 18-20 —St. Petersburg, Fla. (P1)

Neither part of the ABPA Offshore National Championship Series nor the UIM Class 1 World Championship Series, the RWO Key West World Championship is set for November 3-10 in Key West, Fla.

“The sites have continued to increase both in numbers and geographically,” explained Rich Luhrs, the chairman of the APBA Offshore Racing Commission. “Progress has been made in addressing the ‘all-Florida’ issue with further northeast and Midwest sites on tap for 2025. In fact, there is room for one more event on the schedule in July of this year.

The Super Cat class likely will have 10-plus teams competing this season.

“Boat count has climbed, race sites are increasing and true progress continues to occur,” he continued. “We still have significant work to do on developing regional and divisional events, especially on the West Coast.”

As in years past, the Super Cat and Super Stock classes will have their own internal series of races selected by the team owners. The Super Cat owners released their schedule earlier this month. According Super Stock-class representative Ryan Beckley, the Super Stock owners are hoping to complete their internal schedule today.

Related stories Powerboat P1 To Produce ‘New’ Shootout Offshore Race At Lake Of The Ozarks Catching Up With Powerboat P1 Head Azam Rangoonwala—The View From Abroad Sarasota Races Moving To September In 2024 Powerboat P1/P1 Offshore Schedule Catching Up With Race World Offshore Head Larry Bleil—‘Gung Ho’ Race World Offshore Adding Maryland Event To 2024 Schedule

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P1 Offshore;

Powerboat P1 is the fastest growing marine motorsport series in the world and has a long term commitment to growing and developing the sport of power boating at all levels. The Powerboat P1 team works closely with the sport’s governing bodies, the UIM, APBA and the IJSBA. P1 has delivered more than 85 world championship events in over twelve different countries for more than a decade.

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• Address: 2320 Clark Street, Suite A1 Apopka, FL 32703 United States
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Cocoa Beach

Fri 17 - Sun 19, May

Lake of the Ozarks

Thu 30, May - 01, Jun

Fri 09 - Sun 11, Aug

Fri 13 - Sun 15, Sep

St. Petersburg

Fri 18 - Sun 20, Oct

MCON Monster Energy race boat at Cocoa Beach

DF Young team in race action at Sheboygan

Racing off the iconic St. Pete Pier

Class 1 Boats racing at the Sarsota Grand Prix off Lido Beach

Drone Shot of the pit Area by the Van Wezel, Sarasota

Tue jan 09 2024, powerboat p1 unveils 2024 p1 offshore and class 1 race calendar.

• P1 race events to be part of the APBA national championship
• New end of season dates for Sarasota and St. Pete grand prix
• Mercury Racing event to return to Sheboygan after 2023 success

We love all forms of racing at Monster Energy and entering the UIM Class 1 World Championship and APBA National Championship, as well as the P1 AquaX National Championship, in 2023 genuinely thrilled us with the sport’s amazing and vibrant mix of racing, competition and amazing fan attention, interaction and enthusiasm. We’re thrilled to title sponsor the final round of the national championship. Dave Gowland Monster Energy

Powerboat P1 has today announced its P1 Offshore race calendar for the 2024 season, which sees the series heading to Wisconsin again and returning to favorite venues in Florida. The Sarasota and St. Petersburg grand prix events on Florida’s Gulf Coast move away from their traditional dates around the Independence Day and Labor Day vacations respectively and will provide an exhilarating climax to the season in September and October.

Cocoa Beach on the Space Coast will again host the season opener in mid-May with a weekend of ‘fast boats and cold drinks.’ Thunder On Cocoa Beach will be celebrating its 15th anniversary of staging this event and its Executive Director, Kerry Bartlett will be unveiling special plans to mark this milestone.

In August, racing will return to Sheboygan on the western shore of Lake Michigan for a second year. Sheboygan Area Tourism Zone reported that last season’s inaugural Mercury Racing Midwest Challenge delivered an economic impact of $4.7 million with more than 40,000 attending the three-day festival, and this year’s event in August will be open to all offshore classes. Mayor Ryan Sorenson said: “I am thrilled to welcome back this exhilarating event to the Malibu of the Midwest. It not only showcases our City’s stunning waterfront but also brings together the community in celebration of speed, skill and the thrill of competition. This sense of excitement and unity contributes to the vibrancy of Sheboygan.” City Administrator Casey Bradley added: “This event not only brings a surge of energy to our City but also underscores our commitment to hosting world class events. We appreciate the partnership with Powerboat P1 and Mercury Racing, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact the race event will have on our local economy and community spirit.”

Another event milestone will be celebrated in September with the 40th anniversary of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, making it the second longest-running powerboat festival in the United States. For decades the racing has been a unique, prestigious event that brings significant value to the county. Local media reports that it generates millions of dollars in economic impact every year with up to 16,000 room nights, and P1’s national and international television deals showcase the city’s many attractions to an audience of more than 200 million homes. Pete Harvey, Director of Sports at Visit Sarasota County commented: “The Grand Prix draws enthusiastic crowds, capturing the attention of visitors and residents alike. It attracts a diverse range of attendees which generates a sizeable surge in tourism and spending.”

Our goal is to have a fleet of 12 Class 1 boats by 2025. We want to grow the world championship commercially and promote the series both in the United States and internationally to deliver enhanced value for race teams, host venues, sponsors and partners. Azam Rangoonwala Powerboat P1, CEO

The season finale will see the race teams head along the Gulf Coast to St. Petersburg for the Monster Energy St. Pete Grand Prix. Now in its fourth year, the event has quickly become a favorite venue will the racers and it will see the APBA national champions crowned in October. “We’re excited to see one of America’s best waterfront locations selected to host the Powerboat P1 grand prix event,” commented Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President/CEO Brian Lowack. “We love the opportunity to show off the spectacular downtown St. Pete waterfront and award-winning St. Pete Pier as spectators come from near and far to our beautiful destination or tune in on TV around the globe to see some of the most exciting action on water.”

Dave Gowland of Monster Energy said: “We love all forms of racing at Monster Energy and entering the UIM Class 1 World Championship and APBA National Championship, as well as the P1 AquaX National Championship, in 2023 genuinely thrilled us with the sport’s amazing and vibrant mix of racing, competition and amazing fan attention, interaction and enthusiasm. We’re thrilled to title sponsor the final round of the national championship.”

Seven teams are expected to compete in this season’s UIM Class 1 World Championship and races will be staged at the P1 Offshore events. Powerboat P1’s aim is to attract more teams and build the worldwide television audience to return Class 1 to the summit of the sport. “Our goal is to have a fleet of 12 boats by 2025” said P1 CEO Azam Rangoonwala. “We want to grow the world championship commercially and promote the series both in the United States and internationally to deliver enhanced value for race teams, host venues, sponsors and partners.”

“The 2023 offshore season was one of great change and growth” explains Rangoonwala. “This season we will seek further growth by focusing on attracting more competitors, particularly young racers, improving the fan experience, continuing to build our social media audience and broadening the international reach of our TV broadcast deals. Having celebrated our 20th anniversary last year, Powerboat P1 is embarking on its third decade as a promoter and we will continue to design our race events to encourage tourism and enhance the profile of the host venues. Partnerships are at the heart of our business and over the coming months we will be announcing new agreements as well as the renewal of existing sponsorships.”

For more information on this release:

Roy Mantle Powerboat P1 Management Ltd t: +44 (0)207 935 4977 e: [email protected]

Photo credits:

MCON Monster Energy race boat at Cocoa Beach, credit: David Lando DF Young team in race action at Sheboygan, credit: Ronny Mac Racing off the iconic St. Pete Pier, credit: Ronny Mac Class 1 Boats racing at the Sarsota Grand Prix off Lido Beach Pete Boden Drone Shot of the pit Area by the Van Wezel, Sarasota: credit: David Lando

P1 Offshore in brief

This increasingly important brand within the P1 family encompasses the APBA offshore national championship series, with P1 having been granted by the APBA exclusive rights to film and distribute its offshore events. P1 produces a one-hour television highlights show, featuring Class 1 racing and other APBA classes, broadcast in the United States and internationally. P1 coverage includes live streaming on its Facebook page.

P1Offshore.com

Class 1 in brief

Class 1 is the premier class of offshore powerboat racing in the world and is considered to be one of the most spectacular marine motorsports. A Class 1 race boat has twin inboard 1100HP engines and can reach speed in excess of 160mph. All boats are limited by a minimum weight of 4,950kg.

Class1World.com

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WILD THINGS: EXTREMELY LOUD AND VERY HIGH UP

In pictures: seven mile grand prix powerboat races persevere through high winds.

High winds challenging drivers, throttlemen and race crews for a second straight year couldn’t derail a successful weekend of speed on the water for the Race World Offshore’s 2024 Seven Mile Grand Prix.

Two days of racing on April 27 and 28 saw more than 40 teams make their way to the Middle Keys to kick off the American Power Boat Association’s national racing season, which will conclude later this year as teams return to Key West in November. Offshore testing on Saturday morning soon gave way to five races on Saturday and Sunday afternoon to crown winners in nine classes of boats, with racers frequently cracking triple-digit speeds around the 5.6-mile course. For full race results, see raceworldoffshore.com.

Photos by Andy Newman, Barry Gaukel and Alex Rickert

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