Following an announcement this week that HomeStreet Bank will be the 2016 San Diego Bayfair title sponsor, organizers behind San Diego Bayfair are preparing for a busy few days on Mission Bay from Sept. 16-18. The three-day family festival featuring the world’s fastest boats from H1 Unlimited, Grand Prix West hydroplanes and more, is expected to have a sizable raceboat fleet with roughly 75 teams competing in multiple classes throughout the weekend.

For more than 50 years, San Diego Bayfair has treated fans to spectacular boat racing on Mission Bay. Photo courtesy San Diego Bayfair.

According to a San Diego Bayfair press release, more than 75,000 spectators and RVers are expected on East Vacation Island and Fiesta Island over the three days. Other activities on land include beer gardens, a large vendor area open to the public on East Vacation Island and activities for the kids. The release also said that Bayfair offers RV spaces for rent on Mission Bay—the packages include four nights and five days, plus tickets to the event.

“Great weather, fast boats and the incredible Mission Bay is why our fans return every year,” said Bob Davies, race director for HomeStreet Bank presents San Diego Bayfair. “If you love competition on the water, Mission Bay is the place to be next weekend.

“We’re pleased that HomeStreet Bank has come on board as the title sponsor for this year’s San Diego Bayfair,” Davies said. “The sponsorship helps ensure the tradition of racing on Mission Bay continues. Families, including my own, have been coming together for generations to celebrate our community, enjoy good food and drink, and watch amazing boat racing. Visitors from around the country and the globe are set to join us to enjoy the fun-filled weekend.”

Davies said the family-friendly outdoor event that has become a San Diego tradition since 1964 wouldn’t be possible without sponsors such as HomeStreet Bank.

“We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of this year’s Bayfair,” said Mark Mason, HomeStreet’s president & CEO. “We’re anxious to become more involved in the San Diego community, and this sponsorship provides a great venue for us to become more connected with the people of Mission Bay and the surrounding area. We are proud to have been a part of the vibrant San Diego community for a number of years with three home loan centers and now our two new bank branches in Mission Gorge and Kearny Mesa.”

Along with its support of the U-1 hydroplane drive by current H1 Unlimted points leader Jimmy Shane, HomeStreet Bank also is supporting a hydroplane tour prior to the races to promote Military Appreciation Day on Saturday (Sept. 17), meaning free admission for all active-duty military and reservists (with military ID). Additionally, military families will receive half off of admission to honor those who serve as well as their families.

Jimmy Shane will be running the Miss HomeStreet U-1 at San Diego Bayfair next week. Photo courtesy San Diego Bayfair

Fans will have the opportunity to view the U-1 boat up close and learn more about hydroplane racing at one of the following locations where the Miss HomeStreet U-1 will be making special appearances the week prior to San Diego Bayfair.

• Saturday, Sept. 10, Qualcomm Stadium for the San Diego State vs. Cal game
• Sunday, Sept. 11, Petco Park for the San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies game
• Tuesday, Sept. 13, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
• Wednesday, Sept. 14, North County Fair Escondido

As for the boat racing, testing and qualifying with limited racing takes place on Friday. Heat races and championship races take place Saturday and Sunday with the H1 Unlimited HomeStreet Bank Bill Muncey Cup is tentatively set for 4:15 p.m. on Sunday.

Single-day tickets start at $25 and a three-day Super Pass is available for $45. Children under age 12 are free. For more information or to purchase advance tickets online, visit www.sandiegobayfair.org.