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Englewood, FL | September 30, 2025 - Powerboat racing returns to the Suncoast
October 9-12, 2025 during the annual Englewood Beach Waterfest event! This year
Englewood will host the 2025 World Championship Final for the (APBA) American Powerboat
Association and the UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique), the international
governing body of powerboat racing.
The weekend festivities begin with a PowerUp Pre-Race Party on Thursday, October 9,
from 5-10 pm at The Waverly Restaurant. Then on Friday, race fans have a chance to
meet teams from around the world during the Block Party taking place along Historic
Dearborn Street from 5-10pm. This free event offers an opportunity for families to get an
up-close view of the race teams participating, meet the crews, and enjoy some great
food and retail wares by local vendors, while listening to live music by Crossfire Creek
on the Dignam Family Stage at Pioneer Plaza. Then on Saturday and Sunday over 50
race teams from around the world will compete for the checkered flag with over $50,000
in prize money up for grabs.
Jay Henderson, President of the Board for Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc stated “We
are honored to be selected for the finals of the APBA-UIM World Championship. The
Charlotte County community has supported offshore racing at Englewood Beach since
2015. Being selected to decide the World Champion in each class at our event
underscores the commitment of our 100% Volunteer team and our community.”
UIM is the only body recognized to award World Championships, and World Records,
as recognized by the International Olympic Committee for powerboating events. The
APBA is the only body recognized by the UIM to conduct World Championship events,
World Record events, and National Championship events in the USA for powerboating.
All APBA World Championships are recognized by the UIM.
The Waterfest event is presented again this year by North Myrtle Beach RV Resort and
Dry Dock Marina, and sponsored by Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach Visitor &
Convention Bureau (VCB), and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA).
Many other local and regional sponsors have been supporting this yearly event, and
continue to do so with the 2025 production.
Two day general admission tickets are $35 in advance and available online, and $40 at
the gate – children 12 years or younger are free. Parking is free with complimentary bus
transportation to Englewood Beach available.
For more information on the boat race segment, please reach out to our Race Director
Ralph Young capt.ralph.young@gmail.com | Questions regarding Boat Parking can
contact Ray LaBadie, rjlab4@verizon.net.
About Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc:
Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc. is a 501c3 Florida Corporation whose mission is to
stage spectator events, participant competitions, and educational forums that showcase
Englewood’s unique water resources and recreational opportunities.
Englewood Beach Waterfest
Southwest Florida's Premier Celebration of Everything Water - featuring the Englewood Beach Waterfest Offshore Championship boat race!
englewoodbeachwaterfest.com
Englewood Beach Waterfest | Englewood FL
Englewood Beach Waterfest, Englewood. 6,352 likes · 170 talking about this. Englewood Beach Waterfest WEEKEND is PLANNED for Oct 9-12th, 2025. COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY will be held again this year,...
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For more specific details please direct questions to our Board President, Jay Henderson
Jay.H@englewoodbeachwaterfest.com
Marketing Director, Palma Frable marketing@englewoodbeachwaterfest.com
