2026 APBA Offshore National Series Schedule

By: Dana Potts | Marketing Director | Nov 26, 2025

Photo: APBA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Power Boat Association Announces 2026 APBA Offshore National Series

RWO Returns; APBA Strengthens Key Partnerships Across U.S. Offshore Communities

Springfield, OH — The American Power Boat Association (APBA) proudly announces the 2026 APBA Offshore National Series, showcasing top-tier offshore racing at premier venues nationwide from May through November.

The upcoming season underscores APBA’s renewed alignment with Race World Offshore (RWO), continued partnerships with longstanding community leaders, and a commitment to elevating offshore racing as part of APBA’s broader “We Are Boat Racing” philosophy.

2026 APBA Offshore National/World Championship Schedule

Thunder on Cocoa Beach May 15–17, 2026 — Cocoa Beach, FL

Atlantic City Grand Prix June 26–27, 2026 — Atlantic City, NJ

Great Lakes Grand Prix July 31 – August 2, 2026 — Michigan City, IN

Clearwater Offshore Nationals September 25–27, 2026 — Clearwater, FL

Englewood Beach Waterfest -National Championship Finals October 8–11, 2026 — Englewood, FL

Key West Offshore World Championship Week November 1–8, 2026 — Key West, FL

*Additional 2026 National Series venues are currently under review and will be announced as confirmed.

RWO Returns + Strengthening Community Partnerships

In 2026, APBA proudly welcomes Race World Offshore back into its sanctioning structure, ensuring unified rules, officiating, and national points across some of offshore racing’s most significant venues—including Atlantic City, Michigan City, Clearwater, and Key West.

APBA also continues its strong partnerships with leaders who drive the success of their communities’ events. These include Ralph Young and his Englewood Beach team, as well as the Thunder on Cocoa Beach leadership, both long-time champions of offshore racing who help bring fans, racers, and local partners together.

Ryan Beckley, APBA Offshore Chair

“First off, I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to be able to help lead Offshore Racing in a positive direction. I have grown up around it since I was 7 years old. Moving forward with partnerships with RWO and other sites and clubs allows APBA to build on its long history in all forms of boat racing. We hope to add another site or two, to the National Series, as well as bringing back divisional racing, sooner than later. We had hoped to work with the other groups and have solid unification now, but that wasn’t in the cards, yet. We have an awesome group of people and sites behind us, and look forward to positive racing in 2026 and beyond” — Ryan Beckley, APBA Offshore Chair

Race World Offshore (RWO)

“We’re excited to join back with APBA and build a unified path forward for offshore racing. Consistency in rules and regulations is essential—not just for fairness, but for the long-term health of the sport and the racers who invest so much in it. Working together with APBA gives us the opportunity to create alignment across organizations and grow alongside other racing series under the APBA umbrella. This collaboration strengthens offshore racing, and we’re proud to be part of the effort that moves the sport forward.” — Larry Bleil, President, Race World Offshore

Dana Potts, APBA Director

“APBA sanctions over 120 races per year, and we’re a volunteer-run organization at our core. It takes strong community partners to bring these events to life. Folks like Larry Bleil, Ray LaBadie, and Jack Arnett show up every day to champion their communities and produce some of the best races on the offshore circuit. You can feel it when you’re there, the fans rooting for their teams, the parades packed, the energy everywhere.

We can’t thank them enough for all their work. Offshore racing is an important piece of our ‘We Are Boat Racing’ philosophy at APBA, and we have a lot of exciting developments coming on the media front that will showcase the sport like never before.” — Dana Potts, Director, American Power Boat Association

A Unified and Elevated Offshore Season Ahead

The 2026 APBA Offshore National Series reinforces APBA’s commitment to safety, competitive excellence, and strong community partnerships. The season will continue APBA’s momentum in digital innovation, broadcast development, and athlete storytelling—ensuring offshore racing remains a central pillar of the “We Are Boat Racing” identity.

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or series details, please contact: American Power Boat Association apbahq@apba.org

About the American Power Boat Association (APBA) Founded in 1903, the American Power Boat Association (APBA) is the national governing body for powerboat racing in the United States and is recognized by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM). The APBA sanctions more than 120 races annually across multiple categories, including offshore, inboard, outboard, hydroplane, electric, and specialty divisions.

A volunteer-driven organization, the APBA is committed to promoting safety, competitive excellence, and innovation while supporting the clubs, communities, and partners that make powerboat racing possible. Through national events, youth development programs, expanded media initiatives, and longstanding partnerships across the country, APBA continues to grow the sport and inspire the next generation of racers and fans.

APBA — “We Are Boat Racing”

About Race World Offshore (RWO) Race World Offshore (RWO) is a leading producer and promoter of world-class offshore powerboat racing events, known for delivering high-energy, professionally operated competitions at some of the sport’s most iconic venues

Headquartered in Key West, RWO is dedicated to athlete safety, competitive integrity, and exceptional fan experiences, while supporting the growth and visibility of offshore racing in communities across the United States.

RWO organizes and produces major national and international events including the Key West World Championship, the Clearwater Nationals, and the Great Lakes Grand Prix, partnering with local governments, tourism groups, and marine safety professionals to deliver best-in-class race operations. With a commitment to professional standards, innovation, and community engagement, Race World Offshore continues to elevate the sport for racers, teams, fans, and host cities.

2026 APBA Offshore National Series Schedule

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