Photo Essay: Testing In Cocoa Beach

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Racing: Photo Essay: Testing In Cocoa Beach

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Though the first race of the day at Thunder On Cocoa, the season-opener for the American Power Boat Association Offshore National Championship Series, in the books—speedonthewater.com contributing editor Eric Colby is covering the event and will have a full report by the end of the day—some 56 teams reacquainted themselves with the Northeast Florida venue yesterday. This weekend’s marine forecast for predominantly calm seas has so far held up so the multi-turn Cocoa Beach course should be fast.

Not seen on the racecourse since 2019, the New Zealand-based Pro Floors Racing team will be back in Super Cat-action in today’s final race in Cocoa Beach, Fla. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

Toward the end of yesterday’s testing and session, the wind picked up and created a few bumps and holes and the afternoon breeze is expected to return today. The current forecast for the day has the seas pegged at 1 to 2 feet.

But here’s the thing about Cocoa Beach, the thing that makes it such a popular East Coast surf spot: Conditions can turn quickly. And if you ask any racer about the venue, you’ll hear to racer that it’s always rougher than it looks.

There are five races on tap today and offshore racing fans can catch all the action live on the P1 Offshore Facebook page. Here’s a quick look at the schedule:

• 9 a.m.—Bracket 500, 600 and 700
• 10:15 a.m.—Stock V, Mod V, Bracket 300 and 400
• 11:45 a.m.—Super Stock
• 1:25 p.m.—Class 1
• 2:45 p.m.—Super Cat

In addition to Colby, a veteran marine writer and exceptional offshore racing reporter, speedonthewater.com chief photographer Pete Boden is on scene to capture the action. As noted above, coverage of Thunder On Cocoa Beach 2022 will go live on the site by the end of the day.