Never Seen a Jersey Speed Skiff? DON’T MISS Roar on the River
The Highlands Business Partnership, Offshore Powerboat Association and Jersey Shore Boat Racing join together to present Roar on the River from May 17 to 19.
Boats for the Roar on the River will arrive Friday, May 17 and kick off a Boaters Pre-Race Party at the Seafarer, 1 Atlantic St., Highlands from 7 to 9PM. Additional activities are also available at Roar on the River Sponsor establishments; One Willow, Sandbox @ Seastreak and Off the Hook.
Saturday, May 18, from 11AM to 4PM, the “Pit” at the Seastreak Overflow Lot, 348 Shore Drive (formerly Doris & Ed’s Restaurant), will be open to the public, where Roar on the River race fans can get autographs and photos with the drivers and view the boats.
Festivities continue with a Boat Parade along Bay Avenue at 5:00PM, starting at Huddy Park, down Bay Avenue. The parade will turn at the circle at Bahrs Landing Restaurant and head back down Bay Avenue to their designated establishment or return to the “Pit”.
The Pit will not be open to the public on Saturday night. Visitors can meet the racers and view their boats at Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox @ Seastreak, Off the Hook, Chilangos and Franny’s Pizzeria.
The pre-race party will be at Chilangos at 8pm.
Sunday, May 19, Raceday begins with the JSBR race from 10am to1 pm and will be viewable from Off the Hook, Proving Ground, and the HBP Raceday Party at Veterans Park.
Kickoff of the OPA Racing series takes place from 1 to5pm, viewable from One Willow St., Sandy Hook Bay Marina, Seafarer, 1 Atlantic Ave., Proving Ground, 56 Shrewsbury Ave., Off the Hook, 1 Navesink Ave. and at the HBP Raceday Party at Veterans Park with VIP seating available at One Willow, Sandy Hook Bay Marina, Seafarer, Proving Ground, and Sandbox at Seastreak for an additional fee. Tickets are limited and can be purchased in advance at highlandsnj.com.
“We are extremely excited, and proud, to be coming to Highlands. The OPA Racing series kicks off here in New Jersey, where OPA Racing was born.” said OPA Racing’s Sr Vice President Nick Smith. He continued “Racing in Highlands as a brand-new venue and racecourse is particularly exciting. We look forward to meeting a new fan base at the Jersey Shore.”
Connie Cottrell, former local female Jersey Speed Skiff driver and inaugural 1971 Highlands Regatta Race winner, who hails from Highlands, will be in attendance with her family. As President of the Jersey Flat Bottoms, a local Jersey Speed Skiff and Ski Racing Runabout Club, Connie was responsible for organizing the first APBA sanction Regatta for Highlands.
Owner/driver Connie Cottrell
Connie’s original race winning Jersey Speed Skiff “The Egg Beater”, built by her late husband, Rob Cottrell, and now owned by their grandson, Rob Armstrong will be on display for those attending the HBP Raceday Party at Veterans Park on Sunday, May 19th.
owner/driver Bob Franson
The Winner’s Circle will be at One Willow Restaurant, immediately following each race, with the winners of each race there to celebrate with their fans in Highlands. The Award Ceremony takes place at the Proving Ground at 7pm followed by a post-race party.
Tickets to VIP locations are available at highlandsnj.com. This event is sponsored by Offshore Power Boat Association, Jersey Shore Boat Racing, the Highlands Business Partnership, and its generous sponsors; Pacifico, the Official Beer Sponsor of Roar on the River, Surfside Iced Tea, Proving Ground, Seafarer/Marina on the Bay, Sandbox @Seastreak, Sandy Hook Bay Marina, One Willow, Off the Hook and Chilangos. For more information email hbpadmin@highlandsnj.com or call 732-291-4713
