Boat Racing Returns to Salton Sea During Speed Week
The "fastest water" in the world will play host to the American Power Boat Association's Kilo races at the Salton Sea, Dec. 5, 6 and 7.
The Salton Sea is 35 miles long and 15 miles wide, making it the largest body of water in California. The elevation of 227 feet below sea level with water 25% saltier than the ocean makes the Salton Sea a boat racer's dream come true. Throughout the history of boat racing, many world records have been set here due to the high level of buoyancy and low atmospheric pressure. This year's "Bonneville" style event will see some of the fastest boats in the whole country and possibly even the entire world. Records will be set.
The Kilo's record time consists of the best two way passes on the 5/8 mile (1 kilometer) trap. The speed is the combined elapsed time of the passes each way. This course will have 1-2 miles of run up and run down on either side of the trapto allow the racers to build up top speed when entering the trap. All types of boats from all different kinds of boat racing categories will be on hand to take their runsfor the record books.
For campground reservations log on to Reserve America at www.parks.ca.gov or call 1-800-444-park. Full hookup sites, tent sites, and environment beach campsites are available. Hotel recommendations can be obtained by calling the Indio Chamber of Commerce at 760-347-0676 or by e-mail at www.indiochamber.org.
Ask about special groups deals (racer rates) at the local hotels. The Visitor Center will be open all weekend and hot and cold beverages will be available for purchase.
Day use fees are $6 per car, per day and $5 for seniors. They are good from sunrise to sunset.
For more information about this historic event call the park office at 760-393-3059 or 331-9944 or call the visitor center at 760-393-3810. Contact RPM Racing Enterprises @310-318-4012 for technical information about the races.
Bring out the entire family and enjoy all this special area has to offer. Check out the new website of www.seaanddesert.com.
In addition to the boat races, the Salton Sea offers great opportunities for bird watching, fishing, kayaking, and exploring the beautiful desert environment. The weather is near perfect this time of year, with warm days in the 70s and 80's and cool nights. The views from the Sea are astounding with panoramas of the Santa Rosa, Orocopia, and Chocolate mountains.
Visit the nearby palm oasis areas and view the San Andreas fault line, geothermal features and hot springs close by. Hike the wilderness terrain of the Mecca Hills and the famous box and painted canyons. Drive the Bradshaw Trail along the "Road to La Paz"(the trail to the gold rush) from the historic Dos Palmas Rancho to the Colorado River where you can experience the history of California's golden hills. Sample the agricultural treasures of the Coachella Valley, rich with citrus orchards and ripe date gardens. And while you're here, don't forget to kick back and watch the sunrise or sunset. It will be the best you have ever seen.