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The Orange Cup Regatta returns to Lake Hollingsworth Oct. 17 – 19, with races on Saturday and Sunday. This year marks the 86th running of the race.
The regatta is the largest inboard race in the Southeastern United States. Spectators can expect to see some of the fastest boats in racing compete. Known among racing enthusiasts as the Lake of Records, more records have been set on Lake Hollingsworth than any other venue in the country, according to Gene Engle, race director.
The event is free and open to the public. Spectators are invited to bring chairs and blankets and find a place to watch from the shore. To watch from home, check the event’s Facebook page Saturday and Sunday morning for a link.
New this year
The public is invited to the first ever Orange Cup Regatta Pit Party Friday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. This event gives fans an opportunity to get a closer look at the boats and meet drivers. Expect food trucks and live music beginning at 6 p.m.
Historically, the course on Lake Hollingsworth has been one mile. This year, race organizers have added a 1.25 mile course on Saturday. Race teams can participate in events on both Saturday and Sunday, meaning they have two opportunities to break records.
During the race, drones will be used in place of turn judges on the four corners of the lake. For those watching from home, footage from drones will tie into their livestream.
Walter Eugene Engle, Gene Engle’s father, founded the Orange Cup Regatta in 1934. It is one of the longest running sporting events in Polk County – second only to Detroit Tigers Spring Training Camp.
Because the boats achieve such high speeds, organizers and racing teams must take precautions to keep drivers safe. There are 12 boat classes in the Orange Cup Regatta, 10 of which are “closed capsule.” Inside the cockpit, drivers wear a five-point harness, helmet and are equipped with oxygen. Friday morning, before races even begin, each driver will pass a “dunk test,” practicing escape from the capsule in case of an emergency. Four divers certified in EMS are on the lake at all times.
To learn more about the history of the Orange Cup Regatta, watch “Lake of Records,” a documentary created and produced by Will Engle, Gene’s grandson.
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