New Jersey Offshore Grand Prix

New Jersey Offshore Grand Prix

AugustFormerly known as the Benihana Grand Prix Power Boat Regatta and before that as the Hennessy Grand Prix, this race is not only one of the largest offshore power boat races in the country but a festival as well, with a beauty pageant, band concerts, and fireworks taking place at the popular beach resort of Point Pleasant. The race runs along the Atlantic coast of New Jersey attracting more than 250,000 spectators to the state's beaches.
When the regatta was first held in 1964, it covered a 265-mile course around Long Island. But it was eventually moved to the Jersey shore, where there were more open beaches and clear waterways. In addition to the large number of onshore spectators, about 3,000 power boats watch the race from the water.
CONTACTS:
New Jersey Offshore Powerboat Racing Association
Offshore Beach
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-583-8502
www.njoffshore.com
SOURCES:
GdUSFest-1984, p. 119