HAMPTON, Va. – August 6, the the oldest continuously running hydroplane race in North America comes to the area, the Hampton Cup Regatta.
This free event will host up to 25,000 spectators to watch some of the fastest watercraft races in the world.
Some boats are over 20 feet long and reach speeds of 150 mph, which can break national and worldwide records. There will be over 80 hydroplanes, flat bottoms, and jersey speed skiffs from both the United States and Canada competing in this 91st annual event.
In 2016, Hampton will host up to 12 classes of the fastest hydroplanes in North America, many considered the loudest piston-racing boats in the world as well.
On Saturday and Sunday, racing starts at 12:00 p.m. (bridge opens at 11:00 a.m.) and ends 5:00 p.m. in Mill Creek, located at the entrance of Fort Monroe from the East Mercury Boulevard Bridge.
The weekend festivities also include food and beverage vendors, children’s activities, souvenir programs, autograph sessions, racing clothing and collectibles, and racer meet-and-greets.
Lawn chairs are encouraged, as bleacher seating is limited. Pop-up tents and umbrellas are encouraged as well, however; coolers, pets, bikes, and skateboards are not permitted.
