Races, Boat Classes & Results
Formula 1 tunnel boats, Formula Lights and Tri-Hulls take over the Manatee River on Regatta Saturday. Here’s how race day works, what you’re watching, and who won in 2026.
Saturday race schedule
This was the official 2026 race-day flow — testing in the morning, qualifying heats at midday and finals in the afternoon. The 2027 schedule will be posted by organizers; times can shift with weather and river conditions.
| Time (2026) | Session | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00–11:30 AM | Testing — all three classes | Best time for photos and to pick your viewing spot. |
| 11:45 AM | Opening ceremonies | Settle in before competitive runs start. |
| 12:00 PM | Qualifying — Formula Lights | Timed runs that set the starting order. |
| 12:45 PM | Qualifying — Tri-Hulls | Watch how the boats handle wakes and chop. |
| 1:15 PM | Qualifying — Formula 1 | The loudest, fastest heat — ear protection for kids. |
| 2:15 PM | Final — Formula Lights | Tactical racing and late passes. |
| 2:45 PM | Final — Tri-Hulls | Big speed swings through the turns. |
| 3:15 PM | Final — Formula 1 | The headline race. Arrive early — it draws the biggest crowd. |
Source: 2026 official schedule, bradentonarearegatta.com/schedule.
Boat classes explained
Formula 1
The Florida Formula 1 Championships: lightweight tunnel boats that go 0–100 mph in under four seconds and top 120+ mph on the straights. The F1 final is the must-see race of the day.
Formula Lights
One of the Regatta’s two smaller classes — organizers describe these boats as about 12 feet long and 700 pounds, reaching around 70 mph. Tight packs and tactical passing make for some of the closest racing.
Tri-Hulls
Also about 12 feet and 70 mph, Tri-Hulls are small, fast and darting — they show off acceleration and handling across the river chop. Great to watch from the Green Bridge.
2026 Bradenton Area River Regatta results
The 2026 Regatta ran February 20–21, 2026, with Formula 1 headlining the on-water program. Here are the winners and podiums by class.
| Class | Winner | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula 1 | Andrew Tate30 laps · 17:47.615 | Jared Jensen+3.342 | Jeremiah Mayo+13.980 |
| Formula Lights | Shelby Love11 laps · 6:56.735 | Jake McKee+7.607 | Brandon Bobalik+9.526 |
| Tri-Hull | Mason Rinker20 laps · 11:19.990 | Cole Wehring+8.725 | Neal Marsh+13.886 |
Source: Powerboat News. 2027 results will be added after race day.
2026 entertainment recap
The 2027 lineup hasn’t been announced. For reference, here’s what 2026 looked like.
Opening Night 2026
- Bella Garland Band
- Sweet FleetFleetwood Mac tribute
- Drone & fireworks showSky Elements drones + Zambelli fireworks
- ABBA NovaABBA tribute
Saturday music & attractions
Saturday music ran on two main stages — the Bradenton Riverwalk / Rossi Park stage and Palmetto’s Riverside Park stage — alongside flyboard and freestyle JetSki performances, stunt-dog shows, kids zones and a historic powerboat display.
Official scheduleRam trucks & Jeep at Firkins
From Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty tow rigs to the Jeep Gladiator, Firkins in Bradenton has the trucks race fans and boaters actually use. Find us at our booth on race day.
Race questions
Who won the 2026 Bradenton Area River Regatta?
Andrew Tate won Formula 1, Shelby Love won Formula Lights and Mason Rinker won the Tri-Hull class at the 2026 Regatta.
What time is the Formula 1 final?
In 2026 the Formula 1 final was at 3:15 PM on Saturday. The 2027 race schedule will be posted by organizers.
How fast do the Regatta powerboats go?
Formula 1 tunnel boats reach 120+ mph on the straights and go 0–100 mph in under four seconds. The smaller Formula Lights and Tri-Hull classes reach around 70 mph.
When is race day in 2027?
Racing is on Saturday, February 20, 2027, the second day of the Regatta.
Is it loud?
Yes. Race starts, engines and fireworks are loud — bring ear protection for kids and anyone sensitive to noise.
Last updated .