KennyOffShore

Love to RACE and long to be a LEGEND? Become part of living history as offshore ocean racing returns to Sunny Isles Beach, Florida as it plays host to the Don Aronow Memorial Ocean Powerboat Race. An open invitation is being extended to racers, poker runners, and boating enthusiasts to step-up to the challenge and show off your skills and stick tricks. On Friday, June 20th be part of the fleet of marine hardware to storm through 100 miles of unpredictable, blue-green Gulf Stream waters on route to Bimini and back. Be the first to go down in the record books as YOU set All-New 2008 Speed Record.

Event Producers HORBA Ocean Racing LLC, under the guidance of Charlie McCarthy, Larry Goldman of Xtremepowerboats.com and Brad Schoenwald of Tres Martin Performance School are putting on the non-profit event to benefit the following charities: Take Stock in Children, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Make-A-Wish foundation. A fund is also being established to commission a memorial statue in honor of Don Aronow overlooking Haulover Inlet.

All entrants will receive a prestigious Don Aronow Memorial Ocean Powerboat Race one-of-a-kind racing patch created in part by the legendary Brownie and collector’s item number decals (to be placed on each side of the boat) specially designed with the HORBA logo. Top finishers will receive a variety of prizes and enjoy the exclusivity of having their names engraved on perpetual trophies and etched in the record’s book.

Goldman said, “This historic event is the platform that will make-way for the future legends of tomorrow. Sunny Isles Beach is the perfect fit for staging this venue and to carry on Offshore Racing Pioneer Don Aronow’s name. It is really a dream to be able to put on a race similar to how traditional racing was pounding through extreme offshore ocean conditions back in the 60s and 70s.”

A 12:00pm parade lap around Sunny Isles Beach will set the pace for the path of performance boats to strut their stuff, before proceeding to a milling area just outside Haulover Inlet. Boats will then turn seaward (east) and their official time will commence after passing a committee boat. Passing a checkpoint turn boat just off the coast of Bimini, boats will then do the return run back to the Sunny Isles Beach committee boat to determine total running times and class winners.

Schoenwald encourages hesitant recreational boaters to come aboard. “Maximum safety precautions will be taken during the entire race. Sunny Isles Beach Offshore Super Series race is scheduled over the same weekend, OSS is providing the use of their top-notch safety and rescue team, while surveillance helicopters with divers will be overhead.”

Boats 15 years or older will be grouped in the Historic Class category while all others will compete in the Modern Class. Boat length can range from a minimum of 20 feet to a maximum of 55 feet. The entry fee is $1,000 per boat. The complete race package, a set of rules and further detailed information regarding boat specifications are available for download at www.historicraceboats.com. Racers are encouraged to register by June 1st, in order to avoid a substantial rate increase.

All racers will be required to wear proper racing life jackets and helmets. No passengers will be permitted to ride in the back seats. No center console boats are allowed to race. Race numbers will be furnished with stick-on vinyl panels for both sides of the hull and the deck. Starting positions will be assigned based on entry form and check arrival at HORBA Ocean Racing LLC. All boats must carry enough fuel to make the entire distance. Boats will run whether rain or shine and waves or ripples!

Possibly surpassing November’s ritual Key West festivities during the Offshore Worlds, Sunny Isles Beach is back in the game and about to go down in history with its action packed venue. An elegant kick-off will be Friday afternoon’s champagne, wine and cheese gala upon race completion. A parade of race boats and block party complete with live entertainment will round out the evening.

On Saturday, event producers are excited to host the THUNDERBOAT RUN. The Fun Run will depart from Sunny Isles Beach to an undisclosed, captivating and tropical hotspot in the Miami area. The run is open to all Bimini racers at no additional cost. Friends old and new are also welcome to attend but will incur a $300 registration fee. Those wishing to remain on shore can view OSS race boat testing and timed trials from the beach and then wander through the village of historic offshore boats to meet some of the pioneer racers.

Then as the roaring engines and melodic howling of horsepower subside, spirits will be on the rise for the Saturday night awards ceremony and Legends-Reunion Party. Icons in attendance will include Brownie (Allan Brown), Sammy James, Odell Lewis, Richie Powers and Mel Riggs, just to name a few. Making the night one to remember, racers are encouraged to dress in full race attire. Also underway will be a silent auction to raise additional funds for the chosen charities. Completing the weekend will be Sunday’s OSS race and awards presentation.

Main event sponsors include Banana Boat Company, Xtremepowerboats and Tres Martin Performance School. Currently sponsorship packages are still available. Those in the marine industry who can appreciate the magnitude and privilege of this legendary event are encouraged to participate.

For further information regarding race details or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Larry Goldman at 305-947-3278, Charlie McCarthy at 401-258-4852 or Brad Schoenwald at 954-560-9080.