Boat racing is a challenging watersport that requires great skill but rewards participants and spectators with excitement. The Super Cat Class is one of several offshore boat racing classes and the longest-standing premier class of offshore racing. The twin hull catamarans often used for these races range between 38′ and 44′ in length and vary in weight from 9,500 to 10,300 pounds. Speeds can reach up to 140 mph, making it for one adrenaline-induced sporting event.
About Race World Offshore
The premier offshore racing series sanctioning body for professional offshore boat racing is Race World Offshore, LLC. The organization not only hosts many powerboat races but is an environmentally conscious entity. It believes that waste reduction and recycling are not only healthy for the environment but help meet community expectations and inspire positive change in vendors and attendees.
Part of Race World Offshore’s green initiative commitments includes the protection of marine life by defending it from vessel strikes and other negative effects that may occur from boat racing.
The Clearwater Super Cat Race
Some of the world’s best race teams gather in this family-friendly offshore race hosted on the waters of Clearwater Beach. Each September, the biggest and fastest boats are displayed in a race for national and international recognition. This three-day weekend event is filled with parties, tasty treats, parades, live entertainment, and full days of racing. It culminates with an award ceremony on Sunday evening.
Key West Offshore World Championship
Race World Offshore’s most exciting event takes place in November. It brings the world’s most experienced team in offshore racing 165 miles southwest of Miami to Key West. This week-long event starts on Sunday and goes on for eight days. Take note that not all events are for fans. Vendors, food, music, entertainment, and racing are all part of the excitement.
The first Sunday of the Key West Offshore World Championship provides spectators with an interactive parade of some of the boats in attendance. Wednesday, Friday and Sunday racing events conclude with an award ceremony. Tickets are $25 for a single-day pass and $53 for a three-day pass.
Inaugural 7-Mile Offshore Grand Prix
Slated for April 2023, the Inaugural 7-Mile Offshore Grand Prix is an American Power Boat Association national series race that will take place in Marathon, Florida. Held over three days, drivers will race along the Seven Mile Bridge that connects the Middle and Lower Keys.
The race will occur on the Gulf of Mexico, where viewers can enjoy tents and front-row seating from the Seven Mile Bridge. A welcome party, awards ceremony, and after-race party are all part of this unique boating extravaganza.
The Teams and Boats
Chariots of Fire, WHM, M CON, C.J. Grant Racing/Graydel, Canada Homes, and SV Offshore/Sweetwater Performance Center make up the racing teams of the Super Cat Class. Each team’s boat is powered by twin 850-horsepower engines. These impressive boats are made by different manufacturers and originate from New Jersey, Missouri, Canada, Florida, or Wisconsin.
Driver and throttle teams of the Super Cat Class include John Emmons/Jim McIntyre, Brit Lilly/Jay Muller, Myrick Coil/Tyler Miller, Chris Grant/Billy Moore, Lorne Leibel/John Tomlinson, and Simon Prevost/Vinnie Diorio.
Catamaran Boats
The word catamaran stems from the Tamil word kattumaram, meaning “logs bound together.” Needless to mention, catamarans are boats with two hulls. The first catamarans were used as fishing boats. Nowadays, power catamarans are also popular among boat racers. They’re made of fiberglass or carbon fiber with twin hulls that are connected by a bridge deck.
Power catamarans are also referred to as power cats but are constructed with much larger engines that allow for higher speeds. This has made them an extremely popular part of the boating market.
As with many boats, power catamarans come with their fair share of pros and cons. These fancy boats take up a lot more space. Generally, they don’t have masts or sails, making it challenging for sailing. Though they’re spacious, overloading them and distributing weight unevenly can cause damage.
The positive side of catamarans is that they have more deck and interior space and greater stability on the water. They are also easy to maneuver and offer a little more comfort and safety due to their size and dual-hull construction.
Beyond Super Cat Racing
Some other offshore classes in powerboat racing are Super Stock, P-1 Super Stock, Extreme, Super Vee Extreme, VX, 450R Factory Stock, and Class 100.
Whether you want to purchase or race a power catamaran or are an extreme fan of powerboat racing, the Super Cat class is one to consider adding to your boat-racing bucket list.