Ready, Set, Race! Thunder on Cocoa Beach returns for 14th year
The forecast calls for constant thunder from May 16 to 19 in Cocoa Beach, but this has nothing to do with weather. Instead, it's all about the sound of the entries in the Thunder on Cocoa Beach Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix.
It’s been 14 years since four local buddies who love powerboats created “Thunder on Cocoa Beach,” a four-day event all about awe-inspiring racing vessels. Their lightbulb moment proved fruitful and the event, also known as "ToCB," has become the premier offshore race event in Brevard County.
The racing action, which takes place offshore from Coconuts on the Beach in the south to Alan Shepard Park in the north, is wrapped up in an enticing package of parties, concerts, VIP happenings, music, vendors and oodles of merch.
As for the racing, ToCB attracts the top race teams in the world at speeds that head north of 175 mph.
Attendees have the option of enjoying the action on several levels, from general admission at $79 on Saturday and $99 on Sunday, to the full throttle Class 1 Behind the Scenes Experience. That ticket includes an all-access, four-day premium pass that, for $1,000, grants participants private access to parties, events, private tours, driver meet-and-greets and photo ops, premium food and drinks, personal hospitality service, VIP parking passes and entrance into the exclusive P1 race tent for primo race viewing Saturday and Sunday.
In between the two extremes are the two-person loungers ($250) and the two-person cabanas ($350). The two-person lounger provides a dedicated spot to watch the action without the need for lugging chairs and umbrellas, plus it includes table service. The two-person private cabanas includes two canvas loungers, a cocktail table UV cabana shade, dedicated food and drink service, towels service, two drink tokens and a plate of food for each person. Both loungers and cabanas also include access to the VIP Chalet and its perks.
ToCB benefits I am a Freedom Fighter, a local nonprofit founded by Jenny Pruett, longtime fan of ToCB and owner of Cocoa Beach’s Juice ‘n Java Café. Pruett spends a considerable part of her days raising awareness of the issue of human trafficking both around the world and in Brevard. All proceeds from the purchase of the Ultimate Freedom VIP Experience will go directly to fighting human trafficking worldwide.
“Human trafficking continues to be on the rise not only in Florida, but in the U.S. and globally,” Pruett noted. “The awareness of this continues to be the top priority for the Freedom Fighter organization."
"I started the Freedom Fighter movement to bring light to the victims," she said. "The Freedom Fighter movement will hopefully spark something deep inside all of us to carry a message of hope to those who need to hear it. We need to educate as many people as possible to the massive humanitarian crisis we face today and enlist as many as possible in the army.”
For tickets and day-by-day details to Thunder on Cocoa Beach, visit thunderoncocoabeach.com or facebook.com/thunderoncocoabeach.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'Thunder on Cocoa Beach' powerboat races on May 16 to 19
