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.

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.

1st place at the Governor's Cup!!

1st place at the Wildwood Crest Governor's Cup!! It was a fantastic weekend of high speed racing with a great ending for our local Hydro's. With a slight hiccup in the Grand Prix class after loosing an engine during exhibition, the team quickly reset and installed a fresh motor. It was truly amazing to watch the team hustle and get back in the water for some more action! Team EMS has announced that these boats will be soon showcased at our local West Marine locations for up close and personal display. Stay tuned for more information.

Start your engines!!

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for the 2013 Stuart Sailfish Regatta!!

In 2012, the Stuart Sailfish Regatta hydroplane races returned to the Treasure Coast for the first time in 15 years. The event's rich history spanning from the 1960's to the mid-1990's was successfully resurrected, with thousand of spectators flocking to the Stuart Causeway to watch high-performance vessels race at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour! By public demand we are ramping up and revving our engines for a faster, bigger, and more exciting event April 19-21, 2013.  Stay tuned for announcements and news. Visit us at facebook and get invlovled. This is going to be a blast!

Presenting, Miss Stuart

 

Our community has a long racing history! Thank you Rookie!!!