Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival Contributes to Overall Impact of Economy

The 2011 Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival had a positive impact on the economy bringing in approximately 100,000 attendees to the event.  Locals and visitors participated in the four day event by attending the parade of boats on Thursday,  Meet & Greet on Friday, “Powerboats by the Bay” on Saturday, and ending with Race Day on Sunday.

According to Research Data Services, there was an increase of overall impact of $12.7 Million and expenditures of $6.8 Million, up from 2008. Race teams and fans alike all contribute to the local expenditures spending on food, lodging, shopping, travel, etc. There were an average of 46.7% Sarasota residents that attended the event and 53.3% were non-residents.

Race teams have a large contribution to the overall economy with larger boats bringing in an average expenditure of $15,000 and smaller boats – $10,000.  Larger boats include Turbine, Superboat Unlimited, Superboat Vee Extreme, Superboat 850, Super Cat, and Super V Unlimited classes. Smaller boats include Stock, Super Vee Limited and Production classes.