54th return of world's fastest powerboats on Mission Bay Read more: San Diego Community News Group -

Serious News · Sep 13, 2018

Six H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Series teams and their world’s fastest race boats are expected to race for the 54th annual HomeStreet Bank San Diego Bayfair presented by Nissan Titan Sept. 14-16.

Racers will compete all weekend for the Bill Muncey Cup in one of California’s largest on-water festivals. The Mission Bay races were first held in 1964. The Bill Muncey Cup trophy is named after the late San Diego resident and power boat great Bill Muncey.

In the 1950s, Muncey along with the city of San Diego, developed the under utilized bay for power boat racing. In addition to the H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Series race boats, other less powerful classes will compete in their own series of races. This year’s festival will also feature a newly added BBQ competition.

H1 Unlimited hydroplanes are the fastest racing boats in the world. With deep history, the 115 year-old sport’s majority of hydroplanes are powered by turbine-engines that produce 3,000 horsepower, allowing the race boats to reach speeds of nearly 200 mph, producing a massive 60-foot tall, 300-foot long wall of water called a roostertail behind them. With very few restrictions, these majestic hydroplanes race in front of shorelines packed with fans on bodies of water throughout the United States.

The pit area will be at Ski Beach Park, 140 Vacation Road. Prime viewing areas for the races are east Vacation Island, Fiesta Island, Ski Beach and Crown Point Parks.

Schedule:

Friday, Sept. 14

9 to 10 a.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Testing I;

12:15 to 1:15 p.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Testing II;

2:40 to 3:40 p.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Qualifying.

Saturday, Sept. 15

11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Testing III;

12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Public Meet and Greet/Autographs Session;

2:40 to 3:40 p.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Testing IV;

4:30 to 4:45 p.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Preliminary Heat 1A;

5:55 to 6:10 p.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Preliminary Heat 2B.

Sunday, Sept. 16

9:40 to 10:40 a.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Testing V;

12:15 to 12:30 p.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Preliminary Heat 2A;

2:35 to 2:50 p.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes Preliminary Heat 2B;

5:05 to 5:25 p.m. H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes HomeStreet Bank Bill Muncey Cup Final.

Read more: San Diego Community News Group - 54th return of world s fastest powerboats on Mission Bay

Serious News · Sep 14, 2018

San Diego Bayfair

Bayfair is a unique family experience on Mission Bay.

San Diego's largest family fun festival features three days of nonstop boat racing (H1 Unlimited, Grand Prix Worlds) on Mission Bay.

New this year is America's Finest BBQ competition and craft festival on Crown Point for September 15. RV spots are available for four nights and five days.

Kids 12 & under FREE (tickets must be picked up at the race site)

Alcohol Policy
Outside coolers and alcohol are not allowed into the San Diego Bayfair venue in Mission Bay Park, per the City of San Diego.

Alcohol and wine is available for purchase in beer gardens on East Vacation Island and Crown Point. The beer gardens offer seating and perfect views of the water on Mission Bay.

The hospitality suites have beer and wine available but entry requires a separate ticket.

Pet Policy:
Only service animals with appropriate documentation are allowed within the event site on East Vacation Island, Crown Point and Fiesta Island, per the City of San Diego. The general public can access the dog park on Fiesta Island during San Diego Bayfair.

Directions to Islands:

East Vacation Island
I-5 to Sea World Drive Exit
West on Sea World Drive about 1.5 miles to Ingraham Street ramp
North on Ingraham Street
Cross over bridge and turn right at the stoplight, Vacation Road

Crown Point
I-5 to Sea World Drive Exit
West on Sea World Drive about 1.5 miles to Ingraham Street ramp
North on Ingraham Street
Cross over two bridges and turn right at the stoplight, Crown Point Shores Drive
Follow signs on the right to event gates

Fiesta Island
I-5 to Sea World Drive Exit
West on Sea World Drive to Fiesta Island Road
Turn right at the light, Fiesta Island Road
Follow signs on the right to event gates