The XINSURANCE Clearwater Offshore Nationals brings approximately 90 offshore race boats to the waters just off Pier 60 on September 26 and 27, with some vessels stretching to 50 feet in length and reaching speeds of 150 mph. Watching from Clearwater Beach and the pier costs nothing.
The event is the final Race World Offshore circuit stop before the Key West World Championships in November. The qualifying stakes are specific: teams must complete at least two Race World Offshore events to earn a starting position at Key West, per the race promotion — making Clearwater the last opportunity for championship-bound teams still short on qualifying starts.
The field of roughly 90 boats races in close sight of the shoreline, putting some of the fastest offshore powerboats on the water within plain view of the beach and pier. The Jolley Trolley connects Pier 60 to Sand Key Park on both days for spectators who want to move along the course.
With Clearwater serving as the circuit's final qualifying stop, the Key West World Championships in November will draw a starting field shaped in part by what happens off Pier 60 this month.
