Offshore Race Crews Make History on Lake Hopatcong

Offshore race crews representing the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) descended upon Hopatcong Mother's Day weekend to bring their brand of racing to the Lake as part of a historic three days of speed racing.

Lake Hopatcong has played host to smaller hydroplane races, but has never before loaded up 40 crews with boats up to 40 feet long.

The event was weekend-long, with crews arriving on May 10 at the staging point, the Lake Forest Yacht Club in Jefferson and began with a tour of the lake.

Beginning at the Lake Forest Yacht Club, the tour stopped at Pavinci Italian Grill, The Windlass Restaurant & Marina and The Jefferson House. Last stop was at the Mason Street Pub & Marina where everyone was invited to a meet and greet with the racers.

On May 11, those interested were able to see the boats up close and on May 12 the action began at 11 a.m. and spectators were shown boats skimming the lake at speeds beginning at 85 m.p.h.

Spectator Chris Schlomann said it was a major event the community responded to.

"The sound of the engines roaring, smell of racing fuel," Schlomann said. "Lots of people on boats checking it out."

The OPA crews race again at Atlantic City June 23.