Monday, January 28, 2013

Stuart Sailfish Regatta Boost to Tourism and Marine Industry in Martin County

       The Stuart Sailfish Regatta (SSR)  is returning for its second year April 19- 21 with even more speed, excitement and community involvement. The races will once again be held on the Stuart Causeway with the oval race course on the northern side of the bridge. There will be expanded spectator viewing areas and space for vendors this year, thanks to the agreement with Sewall’s Point and other government agencies to close the bridge.
       Of local interest, is the involvement of John MacDonald, SSR Vice President and owner of Environmental Manufacturing Systems in Stuart. MacDonald is a big fan of power boat races and recently purchased, “Bad Influence”,  GP79, a Grand Prix Hydroplane and S79, a 2.5 litre Stock Hydroplane race boat. There will also be at least  six top-flight Canadian Grand Prix race boats, drivers and crew this year, led by veteran champion Huey Newport.
       Stuart is known for great fishing and boating and enjoys a lively boat building industry and marine activity. The revival of the power boat races, formerly organized  by the Sertoma Club,  will be a plus to tourism and the marine industries. The Tourist Development Council has come on board as a major sponsor and will be promoting the event through their networks.  Locally, there are several championship level drivers who are involved with the SSR.
       With increased attendance and sponsorship support, SSR hopes to be able to increase their giving to the designated charities, Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, US Sailing Center and the Maritime and Classic Boat Museum.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Party in the Pocket for Stuart Sailfish Regatta race fans!

If you like boating and fishing and hanging out dockside, there is a must-attend party for you. On Friday, January 25 from 5 pm to 7 pm, the new Reef Restaurant in Port Salerno, (formerly Finz), and the board members of the Stuart Sailfish Regatta SSR) invite the public to attend a meet and greet reception at Reef Restaurant.

You’ll have an opportunity to see two Grand Prix race boats, “Bad Influence”,  GP79 a Grand Prix Hydroplane and S79, a 2.5 litre Stock Hydroplane race boat and meet the drivers of these top-ranked boats. Both boats are owned by John MacDonald, Vice President of the SSR and owner of EMS in Stuart.

There will be happy hour drink and appetizer specials so plan to spend some time learning more about this year’s Regatta April 19 – 21 and enjoying the new restaurant.

Attendees will also have a chance to register to win free tickets to the race and a chance to ride in one of the powerboats. For more information on the 2013 regatta visit www.stuartsailfishregatta.org or phone 772-245-7654.

LIndsay Nickerson and Toby Overdorf, movers and shakers of the Stuart Sailfish Regatta, want to see you at The Reef, formerly Finz, for a meet and greet on Friday, January 25 from 5-7 pm.