SARASOTA – Thousands gathered at Lido Beach to get an up close look at the powerboats speeding by at the Sarasota Powerboat Gran Prix.
“It really takes a team to put this together and we certainly had the right team in place this year,” said festival director Lucy Nicandri.
Nicandri has helped organize the festival for 34 years and says this year’s race is the largest yet. “68 boats that registered to race up from 30 boats from last year, so for our race site that’s very significant and it’s great for spectators on the beach,” she said.
Debby McDermott is a former powerboat racer form Michigan. She and her friends always come to get a front row look at the action. “I think for me is the need for speed. Just to see how fast they go and how competitive it is and just how boaters stick together,” said McDermott.
Jason Davis and his son drove from Houston, Texas to support their favorite teams.
“I just think it’s amazing, we’re from Texas so our powerboat races are football, and baseball, and rodeo but you know it’s relaxing. It’s a relaxing sport to watch,” said Davis.
Nicandri and her team are already planning for next year. All the proceeds of the nine day festival will go to the Suncoast Charities for Children where they will distribute grant money to local nonprofits.
