OPA/APBA Goes International With A Bimini Race In April

[Serious News]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After a year and a half of negotiations its Official, Resorts World Bimini (www.rwbimini.com) will be hosting the first OPA/APBA race outside of US waters on Saturday April 29th 2017.

This race is the brainchild of Roger Berkon Productions. Roger (www.rogerberkon.com) has been putting on events throughout the Bahamas and around the globe for the past twenty years and sees this as a perfect match between OPA and Resorts World.

"They built this spectacular hotel/casino/marina on the tiny island of Bimini and it needs to get exposure. Bringing the OPA/APBA Offshore Racing Series to this world class resort just makes sense. We'll televise this race nationally across the United States with an hour long show on a major network that will give the resort the exposure that it needs. There's just no better way to show off their marina, guest and banquet facilities to a national audience of boating enthusiasts. Hopefully this will become an annual event for the next few years." Said Roger Berkon when asked to comment on the race event.

Ed "Smitty" Smith, President of OPA is excited about this new race venue. When asked he replied... "Oh man, I gotta get my passport renewed. We've been working with Roger on this event for a long time and everything just came together today. The big obstacle with a race outside the USA is the transportation of the race teams, the insurance, customs and other unknowns. Fortunately, Bimini is only fifty miles from Florida and Roger has access to a ferry boat that can hold about twenty teams per trip. The size of the teams rigs will determine exactly how many boats can make the trip. We are hoping to bring roughly forty boats, so if you want to go, register now and get on the list. This is huge for OPA, we race between the US and Canada when we race in St Clair and Port Huron Michigan and now we are going to the Bahamas. And the best part is that our friends from the Chesapeake Powerboat Club (www.cbpba.com) just happen to be holding a Poker Run from Ft Lauderdale to Resorts World Bimini on the exact same weekend, so we partnered with them as our support fleet. They've worked with us many times at our races in Ocean City and Solomans Island MD so they know what to do and how to do it. I really couldn't have planned this any better, it all just came together and I can't wait till April."

Focus TV Productions has been contracted to film and televise the event. With over thirty years of experience filming Offshore Races, Focus TV Productions will use six cameras, aerial drones, and onboard cameras to cover all the action. The race will air on a national channel about a month after the race.

Teams that want to attend will meet the Roll on - Roll Off ferry in Ft Lauderdale before and after the race. All boats will leave Ft Lauderdale a week before the race and then return as early as two days after the race so there's plenty of time to get ready for the next race.

For more details, stay tuned to www.oparacing.org and send an email to opa@oparacing.org to let them know that you want to race in Bimini on Saturday April 29th.

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For more about OPA Racing, visit: http://www.oparacing.org/

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Sincerely,
OPA Racing LLC

[Ratickle]

I wonder if they can get 40 boats there? Kind of short notice.

[Serious News]

West End International boat races kick off April 21

The inaugural West End International Powerboat Race is set to kick-off April 21 in West End.

Event organizers are planning for the inaugural West End International race day April 22 and 23 at West End Village.
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The high-speed boat races will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23 with a kick-off party Friday night, April 21, at the Old Bahama Bay Resort and Yacht Harbour.
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Racers from all over the world will compete at the West End International, with hydroplanes, Jersey skiffs and powerboats hurtling up to 170 mph speeds in the high-paced, high-energy events.
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In addition to the races, the event will feature food, drinks, music, vendors, shopping and activities for the whole family.
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“We’re very excited to host the first ever West End International,” said Betty Bethel, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) Director for Grand Bahama. “The event promises fun and excitement for our residents and visitors alike, and we are very excited to host them at the beautiful Old Bahama Bay and the surrounding resorts on West End.”
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General admission to the races is free; however, there will be a cost for VIP tickets and the Friday night VIP kick-off party.
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Tickets are on sale now at WestEndBoatRaces.com.
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Information on accommodations at West End is also available on the website.
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*West End is the oldest town and western-most settlement on* Grand Bahama Island, and is the island's capital city.
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Sponsorship opportunities for the race are available.* To learn more about sponsorships, contact Suzanne Davis at (561) 635-8075.
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The West End International is powered by the Islands of The Bahamas, Old Bahama Bay Resort and Yacht Harbour, Island Coastal Charters and Environmental Manufacturing Solutions.
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http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/S...k-off-April-21

[Ratickle]

Seems odd there would be two races in the Bahamas one week apart?????

[Serious News]

Bimini: Offshore Power Boat Grand Prix
Source: Resorts World


Speed meets luxury at the first annual*Offshore Powerboat Racing, coming to*Resorts World Bimini in Bimini, Bahamas April 28th - 29th
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Experience the thrill and action of watching the meanest and most powerful boats in the world as they race across the beautiful waters of Bimini on Paradise Beach reaching speeds of over 100mph. If you have never witnessed one of these high speed races, you definitely don't want to miss this one! We have several travel options that allow you to*travel to Bimini, Bahamas*for a day trip to watch these exiciting races or stay the night in our all new luxurious Hilton hotel.*
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Located just 50 miles off the coast*of South Florida, Resorts World Bimini is the perfect escape where you're*sure to*discover paradise.*During the day, relax in our rooftop infinity pool facing the beautiful waters of Bimini, enjoy a rejuvenating massage treatment at the Serenity Spa & Salon or spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at Paradise Beach.*At night*dine in one of our five*diverse restaurants where you will experience the ultimate culinary adventure and test your luck at our on*property casino where the action never stops.*
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Over night and day trip ferry transportation*to Resorts World Bimini is available with*FRS Caribbean
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Airlift to Bimini, Bahamas is available with Silver Airways and Tropic Ocean Airways*
For questions and bookings please contact Cynthia Paez at Cynthia.Paez@rwbimini.com

[Ratickle]

Getting close.