The tradition of boat racing on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is deep. In the early 1900’s Lou Barrett, Jr. and Alfred I. DuPont talked on DuPont’s yacht, the Alicia, after young Barrett caught the industrialist’s eye while “racing around” the Alicia in his father’s boat, the sport was just in its infancy. It is likely neither imagined the impact their little event would have.
Racing right here in Dorchester County, Maryland since 1911, one of the oldest active powerboat races in the country is the Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta. This year's race will be held on May 18 & 19, 2024, on the Choptank River. About 70 boats are expected to be on hand to create an exciting two days of racing. Admission is FREE with a $5 a day charge for parking. Food and drinks will be available at the venue.
Last year the Kid’s Zone was added to provide entertainment for the young and young at heart. It was a huge hit and will be back this year, once again featuring Cascading Carlos, the Juggler. New this year will be a pre-race concert by Tranzfusion, a live local classic rock band. They are well into their third decade of performing, mainly on the Delmarva Peninsula and across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. They will be rocking Gerry Boyle Park Friday, May 17th starting at 6 pm so be sure to put this on your calendar.
The powerboat races happen on Hambrooks Bay just off the Choptank River in Cambridge, Maryland. Watch on land on bleachers at Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh. Pit Passes will be for sale to allow you to get up close to the boats and talk with the drivers and race teams. Spectators can also watch the Cambridge Classic from their own boats on the water. The fleet will raft at Rooster Point. A no-wake zone will be established from Howell Point to the Choptank River Bridge.
From 10am to 5pm both days (weather permitting), boats will be racing in these classes – Grand Prix Hydroplanes, H350 Hydroplanes, 2.5 Liter Hydroplanes, Formula 2500, and Jersey Speed Skiffs. The Hydroplane Racing League (HRL) will be kicking off their 2024 Season at this race and will be coordinating all race activity. At speeds up to 150 mph across water there is a lot of excitement to witness.
To learn more about the races visit: https://cpbra.com/ or call the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce at 410-228-3575.
