Boat Races Expected to Draw Thousands to Beach and Pier

Dozens of powerboats will slice across the Pacific Ocean today and Sunday as the Ventura Offshore Grand Prix boat race debuts at Ventura Harbor.

Organizers, who have been planning the event for more than a year, expect thousands of people to line San Buenaventura State Beach and the Ventura Pier as the huge boats sweep across the water.

“It’s more than just a boat race,” said Gerald Nordskog, president of the Ventura Offshore Grand Prix Festival. “It’s a major festival for the city.”

At a luncheon Friday, Mayor Jack Tingstrom and Councilwoman Rosa Lee Measures welcomed the boat race organizers and participants.

“This is the essence of economic vitality,” Measures said. “And it’s fun at the same time.”

Bill Clawson, executive director of the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau, said the event has lured thousands of fans to the beachfront city.

“All of the major hotels are full--the Holiday Inn, the Doubletree, Harbortown and the Pierpont,” he said. “I think Motel 6 has one room left.”

After cutting across the waves at nearly 80 mph in one of the powerboats, which range in length up to 46 feet, Clawson said he was exhilarated.

“This is the most excitement I’ve had at Ventura Harbor since I fell out of my kayak in January,” he quipped.

Organizers have gone out of their way to make the event accessible to the public.

There is free viewing from both the beach and the pier, and fans can get close-up looks at the vessels at the wet and dry pits for a $4 adult admission, $3 for seniors and $1 for children.

Shuttles will move people to and from most of the weekend events, with stops at Buenaventura Golf Course and Wedgewood Banquet Center, the Ventura County Fairgrounds, San Buenaventura State Beach, Doubletree Hotel and Harbortown Resort.