Still warming up the to the idea that the performance boating season is just around the corner? That might not be so easy, especially if there’s still snow on the ground—and there’s a whole lot in some parts of the country—where you live.

Go-fast boat owners on Florida’s Gold Coast, the state’s western coastline, typically don’t have to contend with such issues, as witnessed by one solid event at the end of December and another on the first day of January. On Saturday, December 28, Fort Myers Offshore held its annual Holiday Season Run to Marco Island that attracted 38 boats on a picture-perfect day.

Just four days later up the coast in Sarasota/Bradenton, the annual Joey Gratton Memorial New Year’s Day Run organized by offshore racer Ryan Beckley pulled in 60 boats—and even dark clouds and rain showers couldn’t dampen the spirits of those who came out for the event.

To read the entire article, download the January/February 2014 issue of Speed On The Water Digital Magazine at no charge by clicking here.