June 23.-07.4. Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix

Event Info
This year's Festival and Super Boat Race will continue to offer plenty of fun and excitement for the entire family, both on and off the water. This annual Festival offers some new events this year and continues to brings serious economic impact to our community (2008 estimated impact was $9.6 Million). A special welcome to all attendees, Super Boat International staff, and to all participating race teams, their crews, and families.

With economic times continuing to effect all of us, many of this year's Festival events continue to remain free of charge thanks to our generous sponsors. These events include Powerboats By The Bay, Parade of Boats, Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular, World Record Kilo Run, and the Grand Prix Super Boat Race. Hundreds of volunteers, Super Boat International, and multiple governmental agencies continue to make this annual event successful and safe.

Sarasota continues to be one of the longest continuously running race sites in the country and one of the few race sites that has raised money for charity since the beginning. We have lost two dedicated individuals whose influence and hard work has brought this Festival to where it is today, Gene Whipp and Kevin Brown. I, along with so many other Festival volunteers and race teams, know the important role Gene and Kevin provided as mentors to so many of us. I know they are cheering us on from above!

As you enjoy this year's Festival, please know the true winners are the children and families helped each year thanks to the efforts of Suncoast Charities for Children. I hope you enjoy everything this year's Festival has to offer. Best wishes to everyone for a safe and happy July 4th holiday weekend!

Lucy V. Nicandri - Festival Director
2009 CVB Tourism Leader of the Year