Bradenton River Regatta back with more high-speed racing

BRADENTON, Fla. — The biggest event of the year for the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto kicks off Friday evening with a high-energy start before a weekend packed with world-class racing, family-friendly events and an expected crowd topping 100,000. 

The 11th annual Bradenton Area River Regatta begins with “Friday Night Flash” from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring live music, food vendors, entertainment and a drone show that will light up the sky over the Manatee River.

But this year’s regatta is being described as a turning point for the event — thanks to major additions on the water.

For the first time, Formula 1 powerboats will headline the races, replacing Formula 2 boats. The difference is speed.

Formula 1 boats can top 150 miles per hour and accelerate from 0 to 100 miles per hour in under five seconds. At peak speed, the boats skim so lightly across the surface that they are barely touching the water.

Another new category will feature tri-hull boats, capable of reaching speeds up to 100 miles per hour.

Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown says with new racing categories, the more than decade-old regatta feels like year one all over again.

“This is kind of year one. Because when you think about it, going into the 11th year, with bringing in the new boats and really having 40 boats, that is going to change the dynamics of what is happening,” said Brown. “But without the sponsorships, without all the city staff, with everybody over the 11 years, we wouldn’t be anywhere where we are.”

The regatta will also host the first-ever Florida Formula 1 Championships.

While high-speed racing is the main attraction, the weekend will see several community events on and off the water, including the LECOM 5k Run and the DeSoto Little Anglers Fishing Tournament. 

Brown says the event has grown significantly over the past decade and helped define the area.

The races begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. The best viewing location is the Green Bridge, which spans the Manatee River between Bradenton and Palmetto.

However, the bridge will be closed all day Saturday during the races.

Organizers say there will be plenty of parking available on both sides of the river.

With a drone show Friday night, faster boats on the water and tens of thousands expected to attend, this year’s regatta is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.