Super Boat International keeps 4th of July tradition alive

by Super Boat International on 17 Oct 2014 Super Boat International (SBI) is proud to announce the addition of Marathon, Florida to their schedule on Fourth of July weekend, 2015. July 3rd – 5th, SBI and Conch Republic Offshore Powerboat Racing Association (CROPRA) will keep the tradition of racing on 4th of July and bring racing back to Marathon, Florida, where Superboats raced for years under and along the famous 7-Mile Bridge.

Marathon (Florida) has seen a revitalization of hotels, restaurants and five start resorts in recent years. The remodeled Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club (Hyatt Place), scheduled to open this December will be host hotel to the Super Boat Offshore Race. The new Hyatt Place, local hotels and city officials in the area are excited about Super Boat returning to the Florida Keys.

Mike Puto, Marathon City Manager, comments, 'this is going have a big economic impact on the community and it’s going to be very exciting. I was involved in the first race here in the mid 80’s and to see it come back is a big thrill. This is going to be an even bigger weekend in July for our community and we all hope it is something that will last for years. The Spottswood’s and so many people have worked hard on Faro Blanco and other properties to rejuvenate Marathon and the surrounding area, it’s just fantastic.'

CROPRA president, Larry Bleil states, 'It’s great to bring racing back to Marathon. Everyone involved is very excited. As you know, right now we are focused on Key West, which is going to be a spectacular event to watch. We look forward to seeing everyone here in November and in Marathon next 4th of July.'

There is something about keeping up with tradition and Super Boat International is steeped in tradition. SBI was in New York racing the day before the twin towers came down.

The following year, the State of New Jersey asked SBI President, John Carbonell, to put on the race and continue racing as in previous years. For 10 more years, the tradition carried on and boats competed on the Hudson River. Similarly, for several decades, Super Boat racing on the 4th of July weekend off Lido Beach was the norm. Recently, after SBI was told a new organization that has never produced a race before was replacing them, Carbonell went to work to continue the spirit of racing on 4th of July weekend. 'It’s our tradition to race and it’s what our race teams and fans want,' comments Carbonell. Boat racing on 4th of July is true Americana like baseball, apple pie and fireworks.

On Saturday, July 4th, off Sombrero Beach Road (MM 50) in Marathon, race fans will be witness to one of the largest and longest running fireworks displays in Florida and the Southeast. Randy Mearns, SBI Course Marshall, has produced the show for 35 years and comments, 'it will likely be one the longest fireworks displays that people will experience.' The upbeat, extravagant show is well orchestrated, synced to music and the fireworks display will last for 45 minutes.

Race teams are looking forward to this year’s World Championships in November and the addition to next year’s schedule. 'We are behind Super Boat 100 percent and we will be in Marathon to race next 4th of July,' comments Gary Goodell, partner Miss GEICO Racing. Another team who is excited and who has raced in Marathon is the 2014 National Super Boat Champion, JR Noble of Team STIHL. 'We raced in Sarasota for years, we like racing there and it was a close drive for us. However, we are excited to race in Marathon. I’ve raced there before under the SBI name and we are really looking forward to going back. We are fully supportive of Super Boat and they are the only organization we are going to run with next year.'

The Faro Blanco Resort Yacht Club and Marina along with the Lighthouse Grill will be opening this December and will be ready for race fans in early July. The Holiday Inn Express and many other properties have previously been remodeled and will be taking reservations for race teams and fans for the July offshore race.

Super Boat International is the only powerboat organization that produces Livestream shows for every event on their schedule. If you can’t make it to Marathon, you can watch the race live here.

http://superboat.com/" target="_blank">SBI website