From September 13 - 15, San Diegans enjoyed the 49th annual Bayfair, a celebration of unlimited hydroplane racing.
The event, which is formally known as the World Series of Powerboat Racing, is held on Mission Bay in San Diego. The bay is popular with locals and visitors alike, especially since SeaWorld is located there.
This year's Bayfair featured 23 individual classes of racing, and more than 150 teams in the competition. It draws racers each year because of San Diego's favorable weather and conditions on the racecourse, which must be perfect because the boats race at speeds faster than 225 mph.
If Bayfair were just a race, however, it may not draw the crowds it does; its popularity rests on the fact that the event is suitable for families and, in addition to the powerboats, features live entertainment, delicious food, a kids’ fun zone, and fireworks.
Bayfair draws powerboat fans from around the world, and hosts more than 150,000 spectators over the course of the three-day event. Over 1,000 people who came to this year’s race camped out in motor homes, and many of them will have seen rookie Jimmy Shane take the crown away from Steve David, who has been a long-time champion of powerboat racing.
For future years, event organizers might consider working with a poster or flyer printing company to create a handout for the event that lists the racers, teams, and their boats, as well as the various entertainers, food courts, and vendors.
