Tips for Watching

You want to see the powerboats? These are organizers’ tips for a winning weekend:

Don’t drive and watch from the beach.

Parking is available but limited at three of the four major race venues. The exception is San Buenaventura State Beach, which has a large lot.

Free shuttles will take spectators to three other venues: Ventura Harbor Village, where boats can be seen in the water in the so-called “wet pits”; Racer’s Village at Schooner Drive and Harbor Boulevard, where boats can be seen on trailers in the “dry pits” and there are about 25 vendors and activities such as radio control boats; and Harbor Cove, where activities include mini-jet boat races and boating demonstrations.

The cost to enter the wet and dry pits is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $1 for children. Admission is free at Harbor Village and Harbor Cove. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Race boats come within 100 yards of the state beach, and that is the best place visitors can see most of the action around the 8.8-mile course.

Today, drivers test their boats. Racing begins at 1 p.m. Saturday with the smaller production classes and 2 p.m. Sunday with the largest, fastest and noisiest boats.

For the closest view, local boaters may watch from near the course between Ventura Harbor and the Ventura Pier. Marshals will direct boaters where to moor.