CBS12 News Team

FYI: Boater Safety and Awareness Important at Stuart Sailfish Regatta April 14-15

From Sailfish Regatta organizers:

STUART, Fla. -- Boater safety and environmental awareness is a top priority this weekend April 14 and 15 at the Stuart Sailfish Regatta that benefits the US Sailing Center, the Maritime & Classic Boat Museum and the Children’s Museum.

Hydroplane boats will be racing at speeds close to 150 miles per hour on the waters of the Indian River Lagoon at the Stuart Causeway wowing crowds with their daredevil feats as they compete for first place in their divisions. In order to protect sea grass, boaters are urged to only anchor in designated areas. Boaters anchoring within sea grass may face fines or other actions. Boaters and spectators can help ensure a safe race weekend by reporting observations of marine life, floating debris, or a situation that may impede the race by calling 772.708.2864. An updated map is available online at http://www.StuartSailfishRegatta.org.

The Stuart Sailfish Regatta is a “green” event. Help protect the Indian River Lagoon by using trash receptacles and recycling bins that will be scattered throughout the event location. The Indian River Lagoon is one of the top locations in North America for diverse plant and animal interactions. To learn more about aquatic sea life, please visit http://www.floridaocean.org, or visit the Florida Oceanographic Center located near the racecourse on Hutchinson Island.

Tickets are on sale now at http://www.StuartSailfishRegattta.org or at any Seacoast National Bank from West Palm Beach to Vero Beach, FL. Tickets are $12 each April 1-12, 2012. The price increases to $15 each April 13. Less than 100 VIP tickets are available for $65 each. VIP ticket perks include entrance to the kick-off party on Friday, April 13, access to the event all weekend long, admittance to the VIP tent, snacks, drinks and some of the best seating.

Regatta festivities kick-off Friday, April 13 with party! VIP ticket holders, racing crews and sponsors will be partying from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the east island under the Stuart Causeway on the Indian River Lagoon. 300 revelers will get their fill of spirits and bites while jamming out to The Honkies all night long.

On April 14 and 15, gates are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This exhilarating family-friendly affair features top-tier racers from throughout the United States and Canada driving tricked-out, high-end boats that reach speeds of more than 100 mph. All weekend long these high-performance vessels will be on display in the dry pit area. Grab your family and friends for this fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the boats and the race teams. Viewers will also enjoy live music, kids’ activities, vendors, Vintage Alley and more.

Spectator parking is available at Witham Field/Stuart Airport located off Monterey Road in Stuart where shuttles will take attendees to and from the event from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14 and Sunday April 15. Secure volunteer parking is located at Smithfield Plaza and Four Fish Inn and Marina. Shuttles will also take volunteers to and from the Regatta. Spectators and volunteers will be dropped off at the Hutchinson Island Marriott close to the only entrance to the Stuart Sailfish Regatta. Shuttles will run constantly throughout the event. For more information about the event, visit http://www.StuartSailfishRegatta.org.

Sponsors include Southern Eagle Distributing, Inc.; Channel 12 News, Seacoast National Bank; Treasure Coat Sports Commission; Romagosa Dermatology Group; Carl’s Buick GMC; Environmental Manufacturing Solutions; Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast; Triton Marine and DiscoverMartin.com.

About the Stuart Sailfish Regatta: The Stuart Sailfish Regatta is a thrilling weekend-long powerboat experience that thrives off of adrenaline, competition and victory in Stuart, Florida. The family-friendly event features high-performance vessels racing at speeds of more than 100 mph, live music, kids’ activities, vendors and more. Thousands are expected to attend the races from April 14-15, 2012. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Maritime & Classic Boat Museum, the USS Sailing Center and the Children’s Museum. For more information visit http://www.StuartSailfishRegatta.org or call 772-631-9084.

Tuesday, May 1 2012, 02:34 PM EDT

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