High-speed power boat races proposed for Grand Traverse Bay

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - A proposal set to go before the Traverse City Commission would bring high-speed powerboat racing to Grand Traverse Bay.

Representatives from the American Power Boat Association and the Offshore Power Boat Association made a brief presentation to the city's Parks and Recreation Commission on Thursday, May 5.

The Grand Traverse Bay Offshore classic would take place in a 5-mile loop section of the West Bay Aug. 9-12, 2018.

The nationally-televised Races would be in heats with boat speeds ranging from 80 to 120 miles per hour, according to the proposal. NBC Sports would handle race coverage.

No official rulings were made on Thursday. The 6-member advisory committee voted 3-3 in regard to the event. That data will be sent to the Traverse City Commission which will make a final decision for or against the proposal on May 15.

Up to 100,000 would be allowed to view the races for free, mostly from West End Beach, Clinch Beach Park and the Open Space. Spectators would also be allowed to watch from the water along the north end of the race route under the current proposal.

Spectators would also have access to boats and drivers for photos and autographs. The current proposal calls for race organizers to donate a portion of the proceeds do the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a yet-to-be-determined local charity.

The August date means the event would follow the National Cherry Festival and Traverse City Film Festival.* Thursday's meeting last about three hours, a third of which was spent on the race proposal, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Derek Melville said.

Several members of the community spoke at the meeting both for and against the idea, he added. Commission will now weigh the pros and cons of having such an event before making a decision.
City documents indicate that the event would likely bring thousands of people to Traverse City, which would have a positive effect from a business standpoint.

However, the races will generate a "significant amount of noise" between noon and 4 p.m. on Aug. 11-13. Many at the meeting spoke out against the proposal for that reason, among others.*

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'Exciting' boat race could bring $10 million to TC, says organizer

Fans of high-speed boat racing want to hold a three-day race on Grand Traverse Bay next year. Organizers say the “Grand Traverse Bay Offshore Classic” could draw 100,000 spectators - and $10 million - to Traverse City.

But reception to the event has been mixed. Some city officials say they’re concerned about pollution, noise and access to the bay.

Matt Soper is a Traverse City local who’s helping organize the race. He says the event would bring back offshore races that took place on Grand Traverse Bay in the 1980s.

"What a perfect place to have an offshore boat race," says Soper. "Traverse City counts on tourism as one of its prime economic impacts. A race like this ... will significantly help the downtown area."

Soper spoke with "All Things Considered" host Aaron Selbig about his plans for the race and the reception it has received so far.

http://interlochenpublicradio.org/po...nizer#stream/0

High-speed boat race proposed for Grand Traverse Bay

West Grand Traverse Bay could host a high-speed boat race next summer. Organizers with the American Power Boat Association and the Offshore Powerboat Association want to hold the “Grand Traverse Bay Offshore Classic” in Traverse City for three days in August 2018.

A five-mile section of the bay would be closed off along Traverse City beaches while power boats race at speeds up to 120 miles per hour.

The city Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss the proposal at its meeting Thursday night. Commissioner Sabrina Newton thinks it’s a bad idea.

“They’re going to be closing the bay, so nobody would actually be able to access the water from the marina," says Newton. "Any boaters won’t be able to access it for four hours for three days, and I think that is just completely wrong.”

Newton is also concerned about noise pollution.

Race organizers did not respond to a request for comment in time for this story. They say the free event would draw up to 100,000 spectators and coverage on national television. There would be no alcohol allowed along beaches during the event.

Organizers promise to pay the city back for all costs associated with the race.

The Traverse City Commission will have the final say on whether to approve the event. The commission is scheduled to discuss the matter at its May 15 meeting.

http://interlochenpublicradio.org/po...d-traverse-bay