Ferried to Bimini last weekend from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 22 Offshore Powerboat Association raceboats are awaiting the arrival of their teams for the inaugural OPA Bimini Resorts World race this coming weekend. According to OPA offshore racer Johnny Saris, who is competing in Bimini and will cover the event for speedonthewater.com along with chief photographer Pete Boden, most teams are planning to arrive Thursday.

Friday will be a test and setup day for the teams. Racing will happen, with pace boats and turn boats courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Powerboat Association, on Saturday.

Saris Racing Engines is one of Offshore Powerboat Association teams slated to run in Bimini on Saturday. Photo courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

“The turnout is a little low for you average OPA race, which is usually near or over 50 boats, but it’s the first year for this race,” said Saris, “But that’s to be expected for a first-time event.

“The Super Vee class is looking particularly epic,” he continued. “With Instigator, Strictly Business and Wazzup there, that will be a battle.”

Saris didn’t have any additional confirmed details on the Bimini fleet, though according to Super Stock-class racer Ryan Beckley (Super Stock is the OPA version of Super Boat International’s Stock class), who is competeing in two classes in Bimini (read the story), competition in Super Stock should be solid as well. The current weather and sea condition forecast for Bimini Saturday shows one- to one-and-a-half foot seas with sustained winds at 17 to 18 mph and gusts up to 22 mph.

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