Faro Blanco Resort Ground Zero For 7 Mile Offshore Grand Prix
With 43 teams registered and two weeks remaining before the first green flag flies, an estimated 50-plus raceboats will tackle the 7 Mile Offshore Grand Prix presented by M CON and Performance Boat Center, April 28-30, in Marathon, Fla. Race World Offshore principals Larry Bleil and Rodrick Cox essentially started from scratch to produce the event, and they are quick to credit a healthy portion of their success so far to the Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club, the host venue for race-weekend, and its Marriott Courtyard Faro Blanco sister-hotel.
Thanks to its excellent harbor and accommodations, the Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht has become one of the most popular Florida Keys destinations for high-performance powerboat event organizers. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.
In recent years, the Faro Blanco property has hosted high-performance events from Florida Powerboat Club Poker Runs to brand-specific happenings for MTI owners. Revamped by the Spottswood Company, the resort reopened in 2014 after an extended closure that began in the early 2000s.
The last time an offshore powerboat race was held in Marathon, the upgraded/updated Middle Keys destination had been reopened for just two years. In 2020, the Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht was purchased by the EOS Hospitality group.
According to Cox, the hotel is “getting close” to being at full capacity for the late-April race weekend.
“The Faro Blanco is having after-parties on Friday and Saturday night, as well as hosting the 7 Mile Offshore Grand Prix awards presentation and celebration after Sunday’s races,” said Cox.
The Super Cat-class fleet in the Marathon season-opener could see as many 10 boats in the mix.
The hotel also will host the mandatory Saturday and Sunday morning driver meetings.
Bleil said he has enjoyed working with the entire Faro Blanco team in advance of what will be the first race of the American Power Boat Association Offshore National Championship Series.
“We’re very pleased with the support Faro Blanco and the Faro Blanco Marina,” he explained. “The Suntex Marina group is giving us a great deal of support. They are providing us with a wet-pit area for Saturday and Sunday, and that really should be a fantastic opportunity for teams and fans to go down to the marina by the lighthouse and see the boats as they prepare for the race.
“The entire Faro Blanco organization has provided great support for this race returning to Marathon,” he added.
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