- December 21, 2024
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During the intense heat of the summer, the 39th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix still saw racers who were loving the energy of the event, which was held July 1 and 2 after kicking off with a downtown block party on June 30.
Karleigh Alday, a member of the Sarasota-based team OC Offshore Racing, said to cope with this year's weather conditions, the crew of their boat placed frozen bottles and cooling gels inside the bridge, including in life vests and helmets.
Held by P1 Offshore, the event featured over 60 teams, some of them from outside the United States, engaging in high-performance racing along Lido Beach, and drew spectators who lined a section of the shoreline with their tents.
“I love it. It’s just my passion. I love the adrenaline rush,” said fellow OC Offshore Racing team member Joey Olivieri. Despite the team's boat ultimately breaking down and not finishing the race, he said he was eager to return next season.