Based on the imminent weather threat in Ocean City, Md., created by Hurricane Matthew, organizers from the Offshore Powerboat Association have opted to scrub the Ocean City Grand Prix, which was scheduled for Oct. 7-9. Slated to be the eighth race of the OPA season, next weekend’s Ocean City event also was set to host the organization’s National Championships. The news was announced in a press release from OPA.

While the OPA’s most recent contest on Lake Hopatcong (above) was held in flawless conditions, potentially dangerous weather has forced the organizers to cancel the next event in Ocean City, Md. Photo courtesy/copyright Cody Edmunds/Edmunds Photography.

A Category 4 Hurricane currently in the Caribbean, “Matthew is expected to take a northward turn this weekend, which will bring the storm along the Atlantic coast of the United States next week,” the release stated. “How significant the impact is to be along the Atlantic Seaboard will depend on Matthew’s strength and proximity to the coast.

“At this time it cannot be predicted as to how exactly this will affect the water and shoreline in Ocean City for a safe race. OPA also cannot guarantee that there will be ample resources on the water to conduct a safe race,” the release continued. “We felt the need to cancel this race at this time so that those attending the race will not lose their deposit(s) on their hotel reservations.”

According to the release, the OPA Nationals will now be held in conjunction with the OPA Worlds in Englewood Beach, Fla. The National Championship race will be Sat., Nov. 19th. The race will be the finale of the OPA National Race Series and determine the National Champion in each class. The World Championships will be a culmination of points from Saturday’s race and conclude Sunday, Nov. 20th.

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