STUART — Winds are light, skies are clear, for now, and one of the most exciting events on the Treasure Coast is now underway. Eight classes and 60 boats will race today at the Stuart Causeway for the second day of the Stuart Sailfish Regatta inshore powerboat races.
Fans who attended Saturday's blown out day with little racing, are invited back and can gain entry with their tickets for no extra fee, said regatta president Toby Overdorf.
Fans are looking forward to seeing some of the biggest boats in inshore powerboat racing, the Grand Prix class. The boats are hydroplanes that fly across the water at up to 170 mph and five of them are here from as far away as Canada to put on a great show, said Huey Newport, owner of the Steeler racing team and the 2012 Grand Prix World Champion.
The Ernie Lyons Bridge across the Intracoastal Waterway on the Indian River Lagoon has been closed to vehicle traffic until 9 p.m. Sunday. It has been converted into a mile-long spectator viewing area 50 feet above the lagoon offering unobstructed views for race-goers.
Dozens of food and drink vendors and other businesses are displaying their wares, too, along with vintage race boats and collector cars.
There is a forecast by the National Weather Service for a 50-percent chance of rain Sunday, but winds should remain 5 to 10 knots until later in the day when they will climb to 10 to 15. Racing should be able to take place all day, however.
Also on tap Sunday afternoon will be the Miss Corona Light bikini contest. The contest will take place at 4 p.m. under the bridge on the east recreation island.