This weekend Sunny Isles beach, a few miles north of South Beach, became the arena for the Offshore Powerboat Challenge, hosted by Offshore Events. So I walked across the street from my condo to watch the races!
The event was held June 10th-13th to celebrate the history of Miami as the birthplace for open ocean racing and high performance manufacturing. Sunny Isles was selected to serve as the venue because we have a plethora of luxury condos, hotels, restaurants, beaches and parks to accommodate the crowds. Sunny Isles is also centrally located, a quick trip to both Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Racers, their families and fans poured onto the beachfront Sunday to watch the races, many taking photos and really enjoying the event. The steady hums of the powerful engines were periodically pierced with a burst of noise from a boat passing closer and going faster. Helicopter crews were diving impossibly close to the boats in efforts to get the best shot, it was exhilarating to watch!
The offshore weekend of festivities began on Thursday at Haulover Park Racer’s Village. VIP members were treated to an exclusive showcase of vintage hydroplane boats and outboard engines, complements of History MIAMI Museum. Friday “Putting on a Wish” provided boat rides and an auction, with proceeds going to the families of the Make a Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. There was also a ‘Meet the Racers’ session from 4-6pm with autograph signings and a photo session, followed by a BBQ.
Following the cookout, the Evil Monkeys took the stage. Sound cool? They didn’t stop there. After the concert was the Miss Offshore 2010 spokes model competition and the Betty Bangs Bikini Swimwear Show! This is a talented event planner!
Saturday brought the Bimini Ocean Challenge, an adrenalin pumping 106-mile race in open Ocean. That evening a silent auction was held to help restore the Miami Marine Stadium, as well as the Legends of Racing Reunion & Night of Mayhem at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle.
Sunday was the OPA Race 2, the Geico Offshore Racing series from 12-4pm with a live simulcast via SupercatRacing.com and on SIB TV channel 77 on Atlantic Broadband. Hundreds of boats lined the shore, and the helicopter charters and news crews added to the exciting vibe. I fantasized about using one of our speedboat rentals to compete with the seasoned professionals…it was a very James Bond scenario.
As I was on the beach, I could not tell who the winners were, but I am sure it will be available on their website sometime this week!
Remember to check our fleet of Miami luxury rental cars.
Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals