Thousands of spectators have lined the Stuart Causeway Bridge to follow the action on the 1.1 mile "track" set up for the racers.
Racing was expected to start at noon.
Officials are expecting up to 60 racing teams, competing in eight different boat classes.
The racing will continue through Sunday afternoon.
STUART SAILFISH REGATTA
What: Inshore powerboat races
When: Saturday-Sunday
Hours: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Where: Stuart Causeway, northeast end
Waterway: Indian River Lagoon
Who: More than 60 racing teams competing in 8 classes of boats
Viewing: The Stuart Causeway will be shut down to vehicle traffic from 7 p.m. Friday until 9 p.m. Sunday. Spectators can watch from the top of the bridge. There also will be grandstand seating.
Tickets: $15 at the gate and $12 in advance online at www.stuartsailfishregatta.org and at all branches of Seacoast National Bank and Chillin’ the Most on Hutchinson Island in Jensen Beach. Children 10 and younger are free. Military personnel with ID are $10. VIP tickets, which include premium seating, access to the pits, lunch, snacks, cold beverages and a full bar are $50 for one day or $75 for a two-day pass.
On The Water: Boaters will be able to view the races from the northwestern side of the course. Many are encouraged to dock along floating docks that will be set off 250 feet from the race course and a $20 fee is requested.
Parking: Free at Witham Field (airport), Monterey Road, Stuart with free shuttles to and from race site for spectators.
Portion of proceeds benefits: The Maritime and Classic Boat Museum, the Children’s Museum and the U.S. Sailing Center of Martin County.
Information: Go to www.sailfishregatta.org, follow the Sailfish Regatta on Twitter, or “Like” the Sailfish Regatta on Facebook.
WHAT TO BRING
Sunscreen, hat, umbrella, cameras, folding chairs or blankets/towels for seating
WHAT NOT TO BRING
Coolers, animals, food and beverages
For more about what to bring, go to www.sailfishregatta.org/What_To_Bring.html
CLASSES
JERSEY SPEED SKIFF
Expected entrants: 8
Minimum length: 16 feet
Drive: Inboard
Engine: 283- or 305-cubic-inch Chevrolet V-8
Minimum Weight: 1,650 pounds
Speed: 80 mph
P-1 SUPERSTOCK
Expected entrants: 8
Minimum length: 28 feet
Drive: Outboard
Engine: 250-horsepower Evinrude E-Tec
Minimum Weight: 3,550 pounds
Speed: 70 mph
SST 60
Expected entrants: 5
Minimum Length: 14 feet
Drive: Outboard
Engine: OMC 56.1 cubic inch
Minimum Weight: 825 pounds
Speed: 80-85 mph
PRO STOCK
Expected entrants: 6
Minimum Length: 16 feet
Drive: Inboard
Engine: V-8 automotive based, maximum displacement 500 cubic inches
Minimum Weight: 1,950 pounds
Speed: 120 mph
GRAND PRIX
Expected entrants: 6
Minimum Length: 23 feet
Drive: Inboard
Engine: Supercharged big block Chevrolet V-8, maximum displacement 468 cubic inches
Minimum Weight: 2,700 pounds
Speed: 170 mph
2.5-LITER STOCK
Expected entrants: 4
Minimum Length: 13 feet, 6 inches
Drive: Inboard
Engine: 2000 and 2300 Ford inline 4-cylinder
Minimum Weight: 1,025 pounds
Speed: 100+ mph
H350
Expected entrants: 4
Minimum Length: 16 feet
Drive: Inboard
Engine: 350-cubic-inch Chevrolet or Ford engine
Minimum Weight: 1,525 pounds
Speed: 115 mph
SUPER SPORT
Expected entrants: 7
Minimum Length: 16 feet
Drive: Inboard
Engine: 427-cubic-inch big block Chevrolet engine
Minimum Weight: 1,950 pounds
Speed: 100+ mph
