Power Boats Roar to Destin
The Big Three Power Boat Championship is headed to Henderson Beach State Park Nov. 7-12 for the historic Merrick World Cup Classic!
Champions will be crowned for boats competing in the Offshore Super Series, Offshore Performance Association and Pacific Offshore Performance Racing Association competitions right off the gorgeous Emerald Coast!
Spectators will witness jaw-dropping feats, as the boats skim the waves at unbelievable speeds. Onlookers can stare in amazement from balconies, boardwalks and the beach itself.
Race Village, located at the Emerald Coast Conference Center, will give fans a chance to see both craft and crew up-close. Boats will arrive at the Race Village starting on Sunday and the event will continue on the following schedule:
Nov. 5-6: boats arrive to Race Village
Nov. 6-12: Race Village open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $5 admission
Nov. 7: boat testing
Nov. 9: OSS boat races from noon to 4 p.m. (noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m.) and OPA and POPRA boat races at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Nov. 10: boat testing
Nov. 11: OPA and POPRA boat races at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Nov. 12: OSS boat races from noon to 4 p.m. (noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m.)
Other events and activities going on throughout the World Cup Classic include:
Nov. 6-11: team members will be at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar for meet and greet
Nov. 7: casino night which includes Taste of the Islands and a Silent Auction *
Nov. 10: Miss Merrick World Cup Classic Bikini Contest
Nov. 11: Night Boat Parade down Santa Rosa Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach *
* Casino night is sponsored by Isle of Capri. The money collected from the Silent Auction will go to the Emerald Coast Foundation. For ticket information call (850) 837-9997 or infomerrick@earthlink.net.
* The Night Boat Parade will travel down Santa Rosa Boulevard in Fort. Walton Beach. These beautiful boats will be decked out in lights and the teams will be throwing beads and having a great time. VIP Spectator Packages can be purchased from the tickets Web site here http://www.emeraldcoastracing.com/Tickets.htm.
Tickets for the events can also be purchased at the Merrick World Cup Classic Office, located at 111 Harbor Blvd. in Destin. Spectator Tickets are available at many levels. There will be limited tickets available for planned special events being held throughout the week, so book early! Hours for the office are Nov. 5-12 from 9 a.m. to noon.