Powerboat racing is often called “NASCAR on the water” for good reason: the high speed action occurring on the water just offshore is just as exciting as anything Tony Stewart or Jeff Gordon brings to the table. But in one sense, powerboat racing smokes anything in a car: we’d much rather be sitting on a beach or a boat rather than baking in the stands of a race track. Considering the fact that many sport boats can go up to 140 miles per hour, we can’t understand why anyone would prefer the wheeled version.
Bay Country residents are lucky to have several opportunities to catch the on-the-water excitement this summer, and we can’t recommend highly enough that you head out to spectate the races.
First up is
Thunder on the Narrows, June 27-28, held on Hog Bay just behind Kent Island YC and featuring the tight-cutting Jersey Speed Skiffs and hydroplanes with their rooster tails. On land, look for a bleacher seat or bring your own comfy lawn chair. However, do not bring a cooler: they’re prohibited at this event. Excellent vendors will keep you happy, though (follow Seabuddy’s advice and try the pit beef sandwich).
If you want to catch the action from the water, bring your boat over and join the spectator fleet that always assembles early just outside the racing oval. “You just need to head to the south end of Hog Island, anchor up, and join the party,” says Wheeler Baker, Kent Narrows Racing Association’s president. But take note: “People will start getting there at 9 a.m., and you need to be in place by 10:30. Racing starts at noon, and we can’t have anyone rolling up during it.”
kentnarrowsracing.com
We return to the KIYC for the Cocktail Class Wooden Boat Racing Association’s (CCWBRA)
KIYC Regatta, July 18. Cocktail class boats bring big action is little packages, and having the small boats right there on shore means that you can talk with racers (and hopefully get involved yourself). It’s a different kind of party, where coolers are allowed and you can bring your own snacks or have lunch at the club (alcohol is allowed on site, but participants are not allowed to consume alcohol until after they’ve completed racing for the day). This is the place to bring the kids and the pups: there are plenty of grassy spots perfect to set up chairs, a tent, or even just a picnic blanket and still have great views of the race course.
If you want to watch from the water, the action happens a little closer to the north end of Hog Island, with racing just off the dock at the club. As usual, be sure to get there early to make sure you don’t impede the racing.
ccwbra.com
We’re headed to Cambridge for the weekend of July 25-26, where the
Cambridge Classic will be happening for the 103rd year. Driving into town, you’re likely to see pro stocks and Jersey Skiffs racing on Hambrooks Bay from the Route 50 bridge, but head over to Great Marsh Park for the party. Boy Scouts will collect $5 from each car for parking and admission, and the (really) good news is that it doesn’t matter how many souls you have in the car: $5 gets everyone in, so bring the whole crew in your van. Bleacher seating is available, but you have a lawn chair that’s much more comfortable. Again, leave the coolers at home, but don’t worry: “every year our vendors do something different,” says Tom Thompson, chairman of the event. “The crab cakes are always a crowd favorite.”
If you’re watching from the water, be ready for a party. “We have a very large spectator fleet that rafts up together,” says Thompson, “and they have a pretty good time out there.” There’s no cost to join the floating fun, and the race organizers will even head out to sell you some merchandise (the t-shirts are always a hit).
Wherever you are, look for PropTalk to be there with a magazine and a camera. We wouldn’t miss this for the world.
by Duffy Perkins