Hurricane Offshore Classic will roar through Tampa Bay The powerboat racing event comes with some land-based features, including concerts, fireworks and a food festival.

The calm of Tuesday morning on the Vinoy yacht basin belies the roar that's in store for the St. Petersburg waterfront. Russ Sirmons and Tom Calahan get an early start to help set up 400 feet of floating docks for the Hurricane Offshore Classic powerboat races Saturday and Sunday. The races will help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Pier's reopening. [Times photo: Brian Baer]

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 26, 1998

T. PETERSBURG -- A top boat-racing official praised St. Petersburg as a site for this weekend's Hurricane Offshore Classic on Tampa Bay, saying he expects the event to continue here -- and to grow.

"Logistically, with everything right there, it's one of the best venues we have," said Gene Whipp, chairman of the American Power Boat Association, which sanctions races on a national circuit.

As part of the appeal, Whipp cited course changes bringing the race closer to spectators on The Pier and at Vinoy Park.

"We're bringing offshore (racing) inshore," Whipp said, referring to the improved access for spectators.

In addition, this year's program features two races on both Saturday and Sunday, with races starting at noon and 2 p.m. both days. Last year's format included just one race per day.

A field of 50 to 60 boats in several classes is expected, Whipp said. The boats are among racing's most powerful, with some capable of reaching speeds up to 150 mph.

Waterfront activity should start today as some boats and racers begin arriving. And preparations in the Vinoy Basin, one of the pit sites, are expected to get under way.

This year's program has added some land-based events, including fireworks Friday and Saturday nights, a Taste of the Races food festival in Straub Park and concerts Saturday and Sunday.

For fans who can't attend or who want to hear a live description while watching, WSUN-AM 620 Radio will broadcast both days' races.

The race raises money for the Pinellas Association for Retarded Children and the National Sports Network, a program for people with disabilities.

If you go

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday

COST: Free viewing at The Pier, Vinoy Park and from boats on Tampa Bay; $5 pass for access to wet and dry pits

THURSDAY: 7 p.m., Powerboats at Ferg's, 1320 Central Ave. Fans can see boats and meet racing teams.

FRIDAY: 1 p.m., Hurricane Classic golf tournament, Vinoy Resort golf course. Call 822-1158 for information; 6 to 10 p.m., powerboats at The Pier. View boats and meet racing teams. Entertainment, fireworks at dark.

SATURDAY: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Taste of the Races, featuring 20 St. Petersburg restaurants in Straub Park; Noon, Race No. 1; 2 p.m., Race No. 2; 7:30 p.m., Clarence Clemons in concert, Straub Park; 9 p.m., fireworks, downtown waterfront.

SUNDAY: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Taste of the Races; Noon, Race No. 1; 2 p.m., Race No. 2; 5:45 p.m., jazz concert by Paul Howards, Straub Park.