The Biggest and Best Boat Racing Events in the US
Those who are longing for their days to be filled with excitement love attending the biggest and best boat racing events in the US! Throughout the year, there are grand boat races held throughout the country. People love attending these races, since they are usually interesting to watch and provide a good excuse to picnic along the shore with your family and friends. Whether you are interested in sailing, rowing, or speed boats, you will get a thrill out of attending any of the races discussed here!
Best Sailing Regattas
The Figawi Race, which is held annually in Hyannis, MA, is one of the top sailing events in the world. Each Memorial Day, Figawi attracts over 3,000 entrants, some of which are the top sailors in the world. The race is a spectator event for locals and visitors, most of whom take part in the clambake held during the races and the post-race parties.
A second annual sailing regatta that is always well attended is Long Beach Race Week, held each June in Long Beach, CA. This is one of the largest keelboat and ocean catamaran regattas held in the world, and certainly the largest on the West Coast. Given its size, many of the top sailors are drawn to enter the race, making for a very competitive atmosphere and a great spectacle.
Best Rowing Regattas
If you prefer to spend your afternoons watching rowing, then there are plenty of exciting races for you to attend. The Head of the Charles Regatta in Cambridge, MA is one of the largest rowing regattas in the world and attracts thousands of participants and spectators each fall. The two-day regatta is the largest in the world. As such, it features not only US crews, but international ones as well, allowing you to scope out the competition that US crews will likely face in the next Olympics!
Collegiate rowing regattas are also popular spectator sports. The Dad Vail Regatta, held annually on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, PA, is the largest collegiate rowing regatta in the US. Hundreds of colleges enter their crews into the race each May. While watching the races, you can enjoy the sights of the beautiful Victorian boathouses that line the river, as well as take part in one of the many barbeques set up by the rowers' family and friends.
Best Powerboat Regattas
Should you be into boats that seemingly travel faster than sound, then you are in luck. There are dozens of grand powerboat regattas that take place throughout the year in the US. Some of the most popular include the Super Boat International and the Offshore Power Association Races. Both hold races throughout the country that attract thousands of spectators thanks to the very skilled entrants. Powerboat fans, however, tend to prefer the Super Boat International Races. While the Offshore Power Association Races are just as grand, the Super Boat International is the longest running powerboat regatta in the US and has a very loyal fan base.
