Cocoa 2017 Spectator Launch Points and Spectator Area?
 

It will be my first time attending the Cocoa Beach event this year and I want to do so in my boat. In looking at a map of the area, as well as a Brevard county public ramp map it looks like you need to launch on the BAnanna river or just west of Port Caneveral and motor through the Port and out the inlet. My search netted Points End Park at the Port which I assume will be slammed with others doing the same as me or Kelly Park on the SW corner of A1A and the Banana River.

Are there any other ramps I'm missing? What have others been doing? Any experiences at either of the above?

As far as spectating on a boat, I don't see any info. on Superboat.com other than the land viewing areas being Cocoa Pier etc. Are you able to exit the inlet and head south toward the course? Any ideas here would be greatly appreciated as well. I'm still trying to find accommodations for both myself and the boat.

Thanks,
Keith

Yes u can go out the inlet and go south to the course. The spectator fleet I'll line up on the east side of the course.

Bluepoints Marina has rack storage and wet slips,if you want to just park the boat for a couple of days. Race boats are tied-up behind Bluepoints before heading out to the milling area.

There is a ramp inside the Port, next to the dry pits, and another further west down the channel, if you want to be out of the way.

https://www.portcanaveral.com/Recrea...at-Ramps-Parks

https://public.myfwc.com/LE/boatramp...ching+Facility

Thanks for the abvoe info., it seems I was on the right track in my research. I'm a planner though so appreciate the confirmation.

I'll be staying at an AirBnB in the area with room for my rig and launching at Kelly Park. IE the "west" park mentioned above. I want to stay well away from all the hub-but at the port. I figured with the land viewing at the pier I'll be able to find the floating spectators.

The AirBnB options are the same price as hotel's in thea area but without the crowded lots and crammed "Cocoa Beach" congestion which would't be fun with a 58' rig, plus I'll actually get some sleep in a quiet community . Hoping to meet some members in Cocoa and attending my first race since they were held in Miami!

Keith

Enjoy its a great site well worth going to, cocoa is a great race community and a fun city.

I'm looking forward to seeing how Cocoa transforms for race weekend. I've lived within driving distance of it for 37 years, been several times and know it to be somewhat sleepy. But then again that's the beach for you and why I haven't been (to the beach) since 1997 haha.

Beaches will be packed and the spectator fleet is huge, u r going to eant to get out the inlet early. It gets a little crazy.

Nice, thanks for the heads up! It will be great so see so many powerboat fans!

There is a public ramp at Jetty Park. That's where I'm planning on launching if at all possible. I'm sure it will be packed. There are several lanes though.

R,
If I'm still here, I might take the Spectre out, but I think I might end up crewing on the Sunprint SVL boat...
I'll let you know...
Dean

looks like a couple dozen Super Boats on the way .

I,m ready for this

looking forward to a SAFE and great start to 2017

I hope to see LSB and sunprint go at it

Plans changed, boat isn't coming this year as I'm bringing it to the Stuart races the same weekend instead. Kinda ticked off the series' scheduled the same weekend. . Where are some recommended viewing points from land?

Near the pier, that's where they make the turn on the north side and seems the best. Was on it one year but like the beach better so you can move around.

Show up early parking is a bitc#.

we'll be watching from our la quinta inn and suites balcony bring some beer lol.

Glad to see this reply. Do you know from past experience that the La Quinta is a good viewing spot? I was also looking at the Hilton Oceanfront. I live an hour north, but I'm not familiar with the hotels down there. Of course a balcony would be great, but so would a rooftop restaurant/bar. Any other ideas?

La Quinta is not on the ocean there is no viewing from the La Quinta the Hilton is directly across the street from it you can watch it from there or Lori Park

??? The La Quinta is right on the ocean right next to the cocoa beach pier on turn 2, I don't know who lied to you lol one of the best views if the best. Top floor view with some beer and lady friend I hope lol cant beat that!

I think he thought you were talking JJ's place further down the beach.

Good deal; glad to hear it. Yeah I'd be bringin' "Miss America" and a large cooler full of adult beverages... Weather forecast looks good so far.... I'm going to thoroughly check hotel prices and availability, and pull the trigger soon. Thanks for the input. And no, Wildman_grafix, I knew the La Quinta he was talking about. I have a really good hotel map on Trip Advisor, overlaid onto the SBI Course Map. OK guys, how about places to eat and drink? I'm going to look at some of my favorite bands' schedules too. Ah, OK, says Hypersona at Grills Port Canaveral Sunday at 3; that's cool! We haven't seen them in a WHILE. There are other bands playing all weekend; you really can't go wrong... and Miliken's Reef is good too... This might be an EPIC weekend!

Richie,

I was talking about xtremeracings reply.

Well, this bites! La Quinta AND the Hilton are both booked solid for Saturday. Oh well, snooze ya lose! I'll keep looking for a place to stay, but I probably should've booked it a long time ago... Come to think of it, I usually book way in advance for Sarasota, so why should Cocoa be any different? I could drive down for the day, but that's butt-early and makes for a LONG day...

Go to the SBI site and open the Cocoa Race packet. It has a list of hotels and the Best Western, B&B both have room. Also the one with a Hawaiian name is a West gate resort and has 2 bedroom condos for the same price as most of the hotels.

Fish Lips is also very good.

Best Western has some good ocean front rooms open I had one on hold until yesterday and its a good view area as well.

Looks like it's going to be bumpy this weekend , should make for some exciting racing.

Yeah it should be, plus being the season opener, there should be a good turnout. I'm disappointed that Geico won't be there, but there should be plenty of other Superboats.

Sounding like it will be real rough. Should be fun to watch, can't wait for Friday's street party.

What should I expect or look forward to for Fridays street party? First time for cocoa beach I want to end up in the best spot I can lol! where's everyone going to be?

If everything goes right.....drinkin beer

Minute man causeway cocoa beach. Coconuts right on the beach and always have to make a stop at hunker down.

Congratulations to all the teams that race last weekend in Cocoa Beach it was some challenging water and everybody did a great job.

Superboat and Super vee had some awesome racing, great classes to watch. Performance Marine ran a hell of a race JT was pushing that boat to its limits, they are going to be the team to beat this year they checked out early and never look back.