The Offshore Super Series World Championships boat races return this weekend, but this time, the racing is truly offshore - in the Gulf of Mexico off St. Pete Beach.
The race sponsors couldn't get permission from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to stage the competition in Tampa Bay. In the past, the races took place near the Pier in St. Petersburg, where spectators had great, close views from the waterfront.
The views will be limited off St. Pete Beach; the official viewing site is at the TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort.
The dry pits and race village - open to the public - will remain in Vinoy Park on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. The race village is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Sunday. Qualifying and exhibition racing takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; racing is at noon and 2 p.m. today and Sunday. For information, go to www.offshoresuperseries.com 361 888-9000.
