Englewood Beach Waterfest to Host APBA Offshore National Championship October 8–11

Englewood Beach, FL | July 7, 2026

ENGLEWOOD BEACH, Fla. — The excitement returns to Florida’s Gulf Coast this October as the American Power Boat Association (APBA) Offshore National Championship races back into Englewood Beach during Englewood Beach Waterfest, October 8–11, 2026.

Now celebrating its 13th year, Englewood Beach Waterfest has become one of the premier offshore powerboat racing events in the country, attracting an average of 32,000 spectators throughout race weekend. The event is organized by Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated entirely by more than 400 dedicated volunteers. The organization’s mission is to promote offshore powerboat racing while supporting conservation, recreation, and economic growth throughout the region.

The Englewood Beach race serves as the final stop for teams competing for the prestigious APBA US-1 National Championship title. It is also the final opportunity for competitors to qualify for the Key West World Championship, scheduled for November 1–8, 2026, making Englewood one of the most important events on the offshore racing calendar.

Englewood Beach Waterfest continues to earn statewide recognition for excellence. The event was recently honored as the 2025–2026 Florida Sports Foundation “Best Hosted Event of the Year” for a Small Market and was selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events, marking the third time Waterfest has received that distinction.

“This event continues to grow because of the incredible support we receive from our volunteers, sponsors, race teams, and community partners,” said Ray Labadie, President of Englewood Beach Waterfest. “We’re proud to welcome the nation’s best offshore racers back to Englewood Beach and showcase everything our community has to offer.”

This year’s championship features several exciting additions, including the acquisition of a second 10-acre dry pits facility at the Englewood Sports Complex. The new paved staging area provides space for approximately 40 additional race teams and is designed to accommodate the largest offshore classes, including Class 1 and Super Cat, along with their support equipment.

One of the event’s signature attractions is the return of the 2,400-square-foot Conservation Village, reinforcing Waterfest’s long-standing commitment to environmental education and stewardship. The interactive village will feature exhibits and demonstrations from conservation, marine science, and public safety organizations, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Mote Marine Laboratory, Lemon Bay High School Aqua Lab & Marine Club, Peace River K-9 Search & Rescue, the Englewood Conservancy, Sea Turtle Rescue, and many other community partners. The Conservation Village gives families and visitors the opportunity to learn about Florida’s unique coastal ecosystems, wildlife protection, marine research, and the organizations working year-round to preserve them.

Additional highlights for 2026 include:

• A $50,000 race purse, with the potential to increase based on boat count and participation from invited Class 1 and Super Cat teams.
• Two heavy-lift cranes to improve launching and recovery operations throughout race weekend.
• Continued support from SSR Safety, providing professional on-water safety and rescue services.
• Ongoing discussions with the ThunderCat racing organization to expand future racing opportunities following productive meetings earlier this season.

Englewood Beach Waterfest also recognizes the outstanding support of the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners and Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, Pure Florida, whose continued partnership and tourism investment help make this nationally recognized event possible. Their commitment to promoting sports tourism has played a vital role in the growth and success of Waterfest and its positive economic impact throughout Charlotte County.

With world-class racing, family-friendly activities, and one of the most scenic race venues in offshore powerboat racing, the 2026 Englewood Beach Waterfest promises another unforgettable championship weekend on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

For sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information, race schedules, and event updates, visit www.englewoodbeachwaterfest.com.

Media Contact:

Ray LaBadie
President
Englewood Beach Waterfest, Inc.
Email: rjlab4@verizon.net
Phone: 941-468-3050