The Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) confirmed today that it will hold its World Championships in Morehead City, NC, on Oct. 22-25 after its traditional venue in Englewood Beach, FL, pulled the plug on its Nov. 19-22 dates due to coronavirus concerns.

Morehead City was the site of OPA’s only race this year so far; racers gathered there Sept. 11-13 for the Crystal Coast Grand Prix, which drew 35 boats competing in 11 different classes. The race was a bit historical, in that it was the first to see World Champion racer Brit Lilly teaming up with Steve Curtis in Miss GEICO in OPA’s ClassONE.

At the World Championships event, competitors will race on Friday and Sunday, with “rules of the road” testing on Thursday and Saturday. “We are more than ready to deliver another phenomenal event and appreciate the opportunity,” OPA’s Nick Smith told fans via Facebook. “Help us send off 2020 with a bang! Bring your masks, helmets, jackets and, most important of all, those AMERICA FLAGS!” He promised to post a full schedule of events soon.

OPA Racing is scheduled to continue with a “Cat Edition” race Oct. 2-3 at the Lake of the Ozarks, and conclude with the Morehead City World Championships race on Oct. 22-25.

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