Every September, Clearwater Beach becomes the backdrop for one of the fastest and loudest events on the Gulf Coast. The XInsurance Clearwater Offshore Nationals brings approximately 90 purpose-built race boats to the waters just off Clearwater Beach, where they compete at speeds up to 150 mph on a 2.5-mile course visible from the sand.
The 2026 edition runs Friday through Sunday, September 25–27. All events are free and open to the public. No tickets, no wristbands, no admission fees.
This race is part of the APBA Offshore National Series, produced by Race World Offshore (RWO) out of Key West. The Clearwater Nationals serves as one of the final qualifying events before the World Championships in Key West in November, which means the competition is intense and the field is stacked with teams fighting for a spot.
The Race Course
The course is what makes this event so spectator-friendly. The 2.5-mile oval runs parallel to Clearwater Beach, just a couple of hundred yards offshore. Turn One sits roughly 100 yards from Pier 60, which means you can stand on the beach or walk out on the pier and watch boats rip past at full speed with a clear, unobstructed view.
The boats themselves are purpose-built offshore racing machines, low-slung hulls up to 50 feet long with twin or triple outboard setups pushing well over 1,000 horsepower. The classes range from bracket racing (entry-level teams) to PRO Class 1, the pinnacle of offshore powerboat racing, where boats can reach 160 mph. The sound alone is worth showing up for.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, September 25
Friday is the opening day of the weekend. Race boats arrive and are set up in the Dry Pits at Sand Key Park (1060 Gulf Boulevard). This is your chance to see the boats up close, walk among the teams, and get a feel for the scale of these machines before they hit the water. The Dry Pits are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance to the park is free, with parking at $5 per day.
Friday evening kicks off the weekend's social scene. Shephard's Beach Resort hosts DJs and dancing Friday through Sunday nights throughout the weekend.
Saturday, September 26
Saturday is when the boats hit the water. The morning starts with official testing and practice runs from 10:00 AM to noon. Racing begins in the afternoon:
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1:00 PM: Qualifying races begin
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1:30 PM: Race 1 (Brackets 2, 4, and 5)
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2:30 PM: Race 2 (PRO Class 1)
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3:00 PM: Qualifying session for Class 1 USA
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3:15–4:00 PM: Final session of race boat test runs
The Dry Pits remain open all day at Sand Key Park for anyone who wants to see the boats between races.
Sunday, September 27
Sunday is the main event, with five races running from noon through 4:30 PM:
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Noon: Race 1 (Brackets 6 and 7, followed by Mod V and Cat 300)
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12:45 PM: Race 2 (Factory Stock)
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1:45 PM: Race 3 (Super Cat)
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2:30 PM: Race 4 (Super Stock)
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3:30 PM: Race 5 (PRO Class 1)
The PRO Class 1 finale is the race most spectators come to see. These are the fastest boats in the field, and the final race of the weekend typically draws the biggest crowd on the beach and the largest spectator fleet on the water.
Where to Watch
From the beach. Clearwater Beach itself is the primary viewing area. The course runs parallel to the shoreline, so anywhere along the beach between Pier 60 and the southern stretch toward Sand Key gives you a solid vantage point. Pier 60 is one of the best spots because of its elevation and proximity to Turn One. Arrive early on Sunday to claim a good position on the sand.
From beachfront hotels. Several hotels along the beach hold watch parties during race weekend. Higher floors with Gulf-facing balconies offer an elevated view of the full course. If you are planning to stay for the weekend, booking a beachfront room is worth considering.
From the water. Organizers designate a spectator fleet area just offshore of the race course where privately owned boats can anchor and watch. This is one of the most popular ways to experience the event. Thousands of spectator boats line up each year, and the atmosphere on the water is part of the draw. Starlite Cruises also offers race-day cruises for those who want to watch from the water without bringing their own vessel.
Getting There and Parking
Clearwater Beach parking fills up fast on race weekend, especially on Sunday. Several public lots serve the beach area. The Jolley Trolley runs between Pier 60 and Sand Key Park (where the Dry Pits are located) and accepts tap-to-pay, payment through the Flamingo Fares app, or exact change in cash. The Suncoast Beach Trolley connects nearby beach communities to Clearwater Beach. Using public transit or a rideshare service is worth considering if you want to avoid the parking situation entirely.
Safety and Race Operations
The races are professionally managed with a focus on safety. Race World Offshore conducts repeated technical inspections of every boat throughout the weekend. Racers undergo physical exams the morning of their races, including tests of their ability to escape an overturned boat. Medical and rescue boats are positioned along the course during every race. The event has been running in Clearwater for over 15 years, and the safety protocols are well established.
Making a Weekend of It
Race weekend falls at the end of September, when the summer crowds on Clearwater Beach have thinned but the water is still warm and the weather is ideal for being outside. The surrounding area has plenty to fill the days around the races. Clearwater Beach itself has waterfront dining, shopping, and the daily Pier 60 sunset celebration. St. Petersburg is a short drive south, with its arts district, craft breweries, and waterfront parks. Dunedin and Tarpon Springs are both nearby and worth a visit for their downtown scenes and sponge docks, respectively.
Watching the Races from the Water with Us
The spectator fleet is one of the best ways to experience the Clearwater Offshore Nationals, and a private charter puts your group right in the middle of it. We operate out of the Clearwater and St. Petersburg area, and our captains can position the boat in the designated spectator zone with a clear view of the course. You get to watch 150 mph race boats tear past from the water, with none of the beach crowds, no parking to deal with, and a comfortable setup for the full afternoon of racing.
Our boat, the Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin, holds up to 13 guests plus the captain, with an enclosed climate-controlled cabin, a full bathroom, sunbeds, and a Bluetooth sound system. You can combine the race viewing with a morning sandbar stop, a cruise around the area, or a sunset run after the final race.
Race weekend charters are popular, so booking early is recommended if you want to be on the water for the event.
You can check availability and book at sea-eo.com.
For the full race schedule and event updates, visit clearwaternationals.com.