CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — This weekend, some of the fastest powerboats in the country will speed through the water off Clearwater Beach during the XINSURANCE Clearwater Offshore Nationals, which is back for its 14th year.

Event organizers say they are expecting about 50,000 people to attend the races Sunday. 

What You Need To Know

  • The XINSURANCE Clearwater Offshore Nationals returns to Clearwater Beach Sunday for the 14th year

  • Event organizers say they are expecting about 50,000 spectators to attend

  • Tourism from the event generates roughly $10 million for the local economy, according to Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

  • Businesses owners in the area say they're looking forward to welcoming in hungry and thirsty spectators

There are 53 teams competing — each one made up of anywhere from five to 15 participants. The first race kicks off at 11 a.m. on Sunday. 

Race Director Rodrick Cox said it takes a year to plan an event this size and everyone is ready to race. 

“All the teams are getting down to Seminole Boat Ramp and everybody’s getting ready for race day," he said. "The fans are coming out and we love being here on Sunday. We’ll probably have the biggest boat count we’ve ever had, we’re hoping to have the biggest spectator fleet that we’ve ever had.”

The powerboat race is a huge event for Clearwater Beach and draws in thousands of visitors. Officials with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater say they are expecting tourism from this year's race to generate about $10 million for the local economy.

Money generated from the hotel bed tax is also used to fund projects like beach renourishment and the new Tampa Bay Rays stadium. 

Workers at businesses near the beach say the extra foot traffic from the event is welcome. Eddy Zuhric, a bartender at The Salty Crab, said employees at the restaurant look forward to the event every year and have been gearing up for hungry and thirsty spectators all week.

"I hope that they see what we see — how beautiful it is, how much of a paradise we made it here and showing them good service," Zuhric said. "We have a lot of businesses on these back roads that are underrated, unknown and unseen."

Spectators can see the action on Sunday right from Clearwater Beach or from VIP watch parties happening at nearby hotels and restaurants.

Pier 60 reopened Friday just in time for the races. Portions of it were damaged by Hurricane Idalia, but city officials say it has been repaired and is safe for people to be on.

The Seminole Boat Ramp is closed to the public through Sunday night for the race.