WFLA

Clearwater Beach Super Boat National Championship: Schedule, events, ticket info

WFLA 8 On Your Side Staff

Super boats will invade Clearwater Beach this weekend for the Super Boat National Championship Festival.

In its 10th year, the 2018 Hooters Clearwater Super Boat National Championship Festival will not only see action on the water, but off the water as well.

Many events are planned leading up to race day on Sunday, Sept. 30.

FRIDAY

The green flag will drop on the Clearwater Super Boat National Championship Festival on Friday, Sept. 28 at the Baystar Race Village at Coachman Park, where the super boats will be on display. 

Guests can meet the racers and get up close with some of the world’s fastest super boats. The Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Boat Parade and Downtown Block Party starts at 6:45 p.m. and will feature beer trucks, contests, games and live entertainment including local favorite The Black Honkeys. 

A VIP pass is needed for access to the Baystar Super Boat VIP Party at Coachman Park starting at 5:30 p.m with all you can eat and drink. 

SATURDAY

The excitement continues Saturday with events planned to keep visitors entertained throughout the day and evening.

The Super Boat Race Village will continue at Coachman Park from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Spectators will get to meet race teams, grab some autographs and take photos. 

Events also begin to heat up on Clearwater beach at Pier 60 Park. There will be games, street performers, live entertainment and more. Hooters will present The Romantics, known for their 80s hit “What I Like About You,” at Pier 60 Park from 7:30 to 9 p.m. 

The 2019 Hooters Calendar Girls will be introduced at the concert and there will be an autograph signing with this year’s cover girl, centerfold and 12 of the feature girls. 
The day’s events will come to a close with a concert and huge fireworks show presented by Pier 60.

SUNDAY

Strap in, sit back and take in all the super boat action on Sunday, Sept. 30. 

Super boats will take to the water traveling at speeds of up to 180 miles per hour on a 2.5-mile water course. There will be three races total.

Spectators can see all the action from the beach, Pier 60, designated VIP viewing parties and a designated spectator fleet viewing area. Pier 60 Race Viewing Opens 9 am – No Coolers or Chairs permitted.

Following the races, the Marina Cantina will host the official “Beach After-Party” starting at 4 p.m. National champions will be recognized at an awards ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. Those with VIP tickets will be able to attend this event for free.

To cap off the end of an action-packed weekend, Shephard’s Beach Resort will host a huge after-race beach party on Sunday. The party starts at 4 p.m. and will feature live music, Djs, beach, sun and of course, lots of fun.

VIP PASSES

VIP passes can be purchased at the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce or the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. Passes cost $100 for adults and $20 for kids 16 and under. Get more  VIP Pass details here.

Passes include exclusive access to Pier 60 on race day, admission to autograph signings and private viewing parties, free Clearwater Ferry and Jolley Trolley rides, admission to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 10 percent off Baystar restaurants, 10 percent off the entire check at Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest and more.

Various dining specials, viewing parties and race day activities will be held at local businesses throughout the weekend. For more information on VIP tickets and events, parking and a list of prohibited items, visit ClearwaterSuperBoat.com or MyClearwaterEvents.com.

Parking will be a challenge on Clearwater Beach. The city wants to remind visitors you can park downtown Clearwater for free and take the Clearwater Ferry across to the beach. This helps beach goers avoid waiting in traffic and trying to find a parking spot. The North Beach Parking Plaza will also be available at 490 Poinsettia Ave. Find out more at MyClearwater.com/Parking.