The American Power Boat Association has announced its 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.
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.
“First off, I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to be able to help lead Offshore Racing in a positive direction," said Ryan Beckley, APBA Offshore Chair. "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."
RWO President Larry Bleil added: “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.”
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.
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.
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.