The Palm Beach Post

09-10-1995

Powerboats Make Their Debut

By: Chris Dummit - Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

After ups and downs the size of hurricane swells, the Palm Beach County Offshore Grand Prix is on the verge of reality.

Beginning Tuesday, 50-foot plus offshore powerboats will begin pulling into the parking lots surrounding The Gardens mall. Boats will start testing the waters off Palm Beach on Friday and on Saturday, about 100 of these huge ocean racers will begin racing.

The event got off to a wobbly start earlier this year when host Hank Harms had trouble finding sponsors. Offshore racing prize money and publicity isn't as plentiful as it is on the NASCAR circuit.

But Harms, who owns a Pro class race boat and a Palm Beach County filtration company, wanted desperately for this area to have its own race. In Florida, there are races in Sarasota, Miami, Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Key West. But Harms thought Palm Beach was still a better location.

``It will win the hearts of Palm Beach County,'' he said.

Harms told local politicians and businesses an American Power Boat Association sanctioned event would bring millions to town at a time when there are virtually no tourists. September is traditionally the slowest time of year here.

He also promised that proceeds would go to charities such as The Children's Place/Connor's Nursery and a swim lesson program he started for children.

Finally, this summer, Harms signed on with Pepsi, GMC, Budweiser, Wolf Crane and WPBF-TV Ch. 25 as title sponsors. Embassy Suites became the host hotel and The Gardens mall and Riviera Beach Marina became the pit areas.

The races, which run Saturday and Sunday, will be held for nine classes of offshore boats, from 24-footers to the 50-foot plus Super Boats. The vessels average about 89 mph, but the bigger boats have clocked speeds of up to 140 mph.

The 11.9-mile race course begins opposite the Embassy Suites on Singer Island. Boats speed along the beach to MacArthur Beach State Park, then turn seaward. Race goers can watch for free from any vantage point along the beach. RJ Gators and Bud's chicken will sell food and beverages. Official race clothing will also be sold.

Race organizers had planned to sell tickets to watch the race aboard a cruise liner. But that boat, the Club Royale, sank during Hurricane Erin. They are still waiting to hear whether the company will acquire a new vessel before next week.

Harms has organized more than 300 volunteers to help in pit areas, on turn and patrol boats, for medical and safety concerns, to man vendor booths and to score the race. More volunteers are needed.

For more information, call the Grand Prix office at (407) 848-0751.