ACTIVITIES

Powerboat Super League
Manatee River

It’s Grit, Gusto, Glory From the Moment GO!

Powerboat racing roars as one of the most explosive events on water. Sporting jet-engine speed and “no brake, non-shiftable, forward only” gears, the race at Regatta features the SST/120 F-2 class of boats capable of turning on a dime and dazzling spectators with their no fear agility and skill. Once the starting gun sounds, drivers rocket from the dock, climbing from 0-100/mph in less than four seconds. More impressive—they’ll reach four-plus G’s in the course turns barely slowing down, with the potential to top out at a dizzying 125+/mph on straightaways.

Bradenton-Palmetto provides the perfect backdrop for these sea-battling beasts as they circle the Manatee River in one heart-pounding, catch-me-if-you-can chase to the finish. Drivers from around the country, including Bradenton’s own, Jeff Reno, will once again descend on one of the most scenic venues on the circuit to engage, entertain and enthrall the crowds.

The perfect place to watch? From high atop the mighty Green Bridge which, once again, will be closed completely across to offer a grand view of it all!

SST-45 “Formula Lights” Racing!

MORE WILD WATER RIDES AND RACING—a dynamic racing class, SST-45, or “Formula Lights”…are nimble, narly and never dull…these smaller and lighter vessels are nearly as loud and just as entertaining as the Formula-2 big boys. At roughly 12-feet long and 700 pounds heavy, the 45’s get their nickname, “Formula Lights,” by navigating their slinky frames with superior skill while hitting speeds of 70/mph. And you have a front seat to it all, in what has collectively become the largest single-day racing event on the APBA circuit.

Illuminating the Nation’s Skies
Manatee River
With Spectator Viewing Directly From the Green Bridge!

Step up…to the next level of light show entertainment and pageantry. Drones capable of providing jaw-dropping illumination through vibrant, orchestrated, unmanned aircraft artistry.

Bradenton Area River Regatta presents its first ever, and a first for the County/region…drone light show designed and staged by the leading drone light performance company in the country—Sky Elements.

Witness the exorbitant radiance and resplendence, all musically choreographed, of this sky-lighting performance as it caps the day’s activities with vivid, colorful and literally brilliant technology. Watch us…Light It Up! 

Flyboard World Champion Kristen “The Destroyer” Smoyer
With World Champion Freestyle Jet Skier Chris Anyzeski
Manatee River—Bradenton Side

Originally from Boston, MA, Kristen “The Destroyer” Smoyer performs stunning shows and has raised the talent bar for females to reach in flyboarding. Kristen is a certified Master Instructor for PWC Products–Zapata Racing and a proud member of Team Powerfly. Her hard work and determination have made her a role model for Hydro Flight sports from newcomers to pros. She’s been featured on news outlets across the country including: CBS Sports, Fox Sports, Sun Sports, H2RO Magazine, Sun Sentinel and Florida Today.

Her professional achievements include:
2016 Flyboard World Cup: 1st Place World Champion
2016 HydroFest Pro Ladies JetBoard: 1st Place Overall
2015 X-Dubai Flyboard World Cup: Placed 3rd Overall
2015 North American Flyboard Championships Women’s: Placed 3rd Overall
2014 Regional St. Pete Fly-In: Placed 1st Overall

Chris Anyzeski is from Jupiter, FL and has dedicated almost half of his life pushing himself to be the best “stand up freestyle JetSki rider” in the world. He has performed internationally—Australia, Japan, Thailand, Russia—earning accolades such as 2018 USA champion and runner up for the Pro World title that same year. He’s currently ranked third in the world.

His professional achievements include:
2022 Pro World Ranked 3rd
2021 Pro World Ranked 6th
2019 Pro  U.S Freestyle Ranked 3rd
2018 Pro U.S Freestyle Champion 1st
2018 Pro World Champion 2nd

Team Zoom and Dare Devil Stunt Dogs
Manatee Riverwalk Great Lawn

From unbelievably long Frisbee catches and gravity-defying agility vaults, to jumping rope, hula-hooping, dancing and darting through an obstacle course, our expertly-trained border collies perform one of the leading dog shows in the country.

Captivating performances and unique tricks go above-and-beyond with choreographed music, audience participation, photo opportunities, doggy meet-and-greets and more. People of all ages can’t help but love these amazing performance dogs! All shows demonstrate the incredible bond between animal and handler – all while providing an exciting experience for all guests. And as an added bonus, after each show, the audience can meet and interact with a few of these remarkable canine athletes. The dogs love to meet audience members of all ages and are great with kids and families.

Lots of Kool Things for All the Kids!
Bradenton and Palmetto

Regatta’s Family Fun Zones, in Bradenton and Palmetto, give tykes, teens and parents too…an all-day docket full of great giveaways and old-fashioned fun activities destined to dazzle their day. From games and inflatables…to interactive experiences with the Tampa Bay Lightning street team…and don’t forget to check out the expo area with the US Army and The National Guard. With such an assortment, enjoying a great day of family fun and excitement has never been easier and more delightfully entertaining.

Hernando DeSoto Historical Society “Lil’ Anglers” Fishing Tourney
Palmetto Fishing Pier

Start the day casting away…entry into the Regatta’s fishing tourney is FREE and includes prizes and trophies too. Presented by the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society, the tourney takes place on the Palmetto Fishing Pier, starting at 8:30 a.m. Rods—100 of them rigged and ready to go—will also be provided. Registration is filled for 2023 event!

See Authentic Raveau Powerboats!
Palmetto–Riverside Ave./Riverside Boat Ramp

First built by Marcel Raveau in 1939 in Long Island, New York and known for their success racing the grueling Albany to New York Marathon on the Hudson River.  In 1959, a fleet of the racing boats was built for the newly formed “Outboard Pleasure Craft” class of American Power Boat Association. Production facility opened in Sarasota, Florida with Bob Walwork hired to work with Raveau. Walwork continued to build the boats until April 1965. In 1996, a new interest in Raveau boats prompted a decision to build the boat type again using a new style–V bottom. The boat was launched in 1997. Today, second generation Raveaus [not reproductions, but a continuation of the production by one of the original builders] is underway on a limited basis.