Destin welcomes Offshore Powerboat Races



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November 02, 2006
By Deborah Wheeler
[email protected]
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This week, Destin welcomes the 2006 Merrick World Cup Classic Offshore Super Series World Championship to its waters – along with a possible cool million in revenue.
Town leaders will welcome the racers with open arms Nov. 5 when the powerboats begin arriving. Qualifying will take place all during the week, along with festivities such as a bikini contest, with the final races Nov. 12.
The event, which was previously held in Key West, are taking place in Destin for the first time, and at an off-season time of year when the town welcomes the economic boost it will bring.
Jim Breitenfeld, Destin Harbor Association executive director, said he would be surprised if the event did not bring with it several million dollars worth of economic benefit that will spread to Okaloosa Island and South Walton.
As of last week, 4,000 room nights had already been booked, with more expected right up until race day.
Breitenfeld said since the event has never been held in this area previously, it is difficult to measure the impact going in, with a lot hinging on the weather.
“If the boats are racing in 6-foot waves, there will be fewer spectators than if it’s nice weather,” he said. “If the weather is good, people will be out spending money.”
Breitenfeld said the number of entries is still fluctuating between 80 and 100 boats.
“We’re trying to do in three months what other places have done in a year and have three world championships contested at once. It will be the single biggest ever,” said Breitenfeld. “There will be lots of action on the harbor with parties and festivities for a week. It will draw attention to the harbor and businesses in the harbor district in what used to be a dead season, but is now shaping up nicely.”
Walton County Chamber Executive Director Dawn Moliterno said that although Walton County is not directly involved, the chamber is very supportive of the event coming and the people it will bring to the area.
Terrah Lee, Offshore Racing spokesperson, said the move to Destin was an opportunity for a new venue and new opportunities to spread the sport. “A unique way to separate Offshore Super Series from other racing venues,” she said.
Breitenfeld credits Alan Laird, owner of AJ’s Oyster Bar with bringing the races to Destin.
“He has been involved as a fan and supporter of the races around the country. They were looking for a place to hold their world championship and he talked them into coming here. Most had heard of Destin, but have never been here.”
“I’m surprised how much excitement there is about this event coming at what is typically a slow time,” said Chef Tim Creehan of Beach Walk Cafe. “Auggie Bush is bringing his private yacht and other boats down. It’s a great time of year for it. I think it will be great.”
Creehan joins DCS by Fisher and Paykel appliances in sponsoring eight-time World Champion cat team No. 20 Reliable Carriers, competing for another title. Creehan will grill lunch on a DCS outdoor grill for the entire team and their guests.
Creehan said he has been contacted by a film company from Los Angeles about doing a reality show about boaters and they will be filming during the week.

Merrick unites OPA, POPRA and OSS

This year's World Championship in Destin will unite boats from OPA, POPRA and OSS. Different sanctioning bodies, different race formats, one racing week.
The Offshore Super Series is made up of a variety of classes including the Cat series, which showcases 40-foot long closed-canopy boats powered by twin 750 horsepower engines that can thrust through the roughest water at more than 140 mph.
The OSS boats will race Nov. 9 and 12 at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Testing for these boats will be on Nov. 7 and 10 at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. For more information, go to www.offshoresuperseries.com.
The OPA (Offshore Performance Association) and POPRA (Pacific Offshore Performance Racing Association boats will race Nov. 9 and 11, at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. OPA races are open to any boat that meets the requirements. See www.oparacing.com details.
All OPA boats will run for its $50,000-plus purse.

Merrick World Cup Classic schedule

Nov. 5:
• 7 a.m. - until – Powerboats arrive
• 6 p.m. – AJ’s sponsor party

Nov. 6:
• 10 a.m. – Race Village opens, Emerald Coast Conference Center
• 6 - 8 p.m. – Meet the teams, AJ’s Club Bimini

Nov. 7:
• 10 a.m. – Race Village opens
• 11 a.m. – Hospitality tent opens
• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. – OSS qualifying, AJ’s Marina
• 5 - 7 p.m. – Meet the teams, AJ’s Club Bimini
• 7 p.m. – Tailgate party

Nov. 8
• 10 a.m. – Race Village opens
• noon – Hospitality tent opens
• 1 - 4 p.m. – OPA/POPRA race
• 6 - 8 p.m. – Meet the teams, AJ’s Club Bimini

Nov. 9
• 10 a.m. – Race Village opens
• 11 a.m. – Hospitality Tent opens
• noon - 5 p.m. – OSS races
• 8 p.m. – Isle of Capri Casino Night, A Taste of the Island and silent auction.

Nov. 10
• 10 a.m. – Race Village opens
• 11 a.m. – Testing day
• 6 - 9 p.m. – Meet the teams, AJ’s Club Bimini
• 7:30 p.m. – Miss Merrick World Cup Classic bikini contest, AJ’s Club Bimini

Nov. 11
• 10 a.m. – Race Village opens
• noon – Hospitality Tent opens
• noon – Spectator boats leave AJ’s Marina
• 1 - 4 p.m. – OPA/POPRA races
• 7 p.m. – Street night boat parade, Fort Walton Beach

Nov. 12
• 10 a.m. – Hospitality Tent opens
• 10 a.m. – Spectator boats leave AJ’s Marina
• noon – Races
• 6 p.m. – Awards ceremony, AJ’s Club Bimini

Tickets sold behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar

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