Boaters, rev your engines. The 84th Annual Orange Cup Regatta takes place this Saturday and Sunday on Lake Hollingsworth, referred to by some fond boaters as “The Lake of Records.”
Spanning 88 years, the historic event celebrates the fastest water sport with 100+ powerboat racers vying for points. Unlike other Florida races, the Orange Cup Regatta allows racers to double their APBA points by racing on Saturday and Sunday.
National Modified class boats in last year’s race on Lake Hollingsworth | Photo via Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing
With 12 classes spanning larger vessels like the Grand National Hydroplane , and smaller vessels like the Jersey Skiffs , spectators can expect to see boats hitting speeds of up to 150 mph, as well as the occasional air-borne vessel.
This free event is open to the public, so bring the whole family, your favorite folding chairs, and lawn blankets to any public land surrounding the lake. Additionally, you can watch from the grandstands located just west of the Lakeland Country Club . Races are expected to start at 11 a.m. (weather permitting) on both days and run until sundown.
If you know the difference between an E3500 and an F200 and want to see footage from previous years, click here
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