This weekend, residents and guests can watch boats race at speeds up to 150 miles per hour in the Gulf. The XINSURANCE Clearwater Offshore Nationals is returning for its 17th year.
Approximately 90 boats will be participating in the 2026 event. The competition will be held Friday through Sunday.
The XINSURANCE Clearwater Offshore Nationals will feature 14 different vessel classes. Race World Offshore racing director Rodrick Cox explained that these “range in size from 60 mile per hour bracket classes to 130 mile per hour Super Cat or Class 1 boats.” Every boat will have a team consisting of a driver and throttleman, who operates the throttles and controls a boat’s engine power…