seafair hydroplane races

Fri-sun, August 2, 3, & 4, 2024
(9:00 aM - 5:00 pM)
Genesee Park and lake washington

Winning the Seafair Hydroplane Race is the goal of every team competing in the world’s fastest racing boats, and there is no better place or time to host that competition than the iconic Seafair Festival Weekend.

Whether you are spectating near the shores of Lake Washington or from the Seafair Log Boom, you are in for a special treat.

The excitement of hydroplanes racing at over 220 MPH is unbelievable. Not to mention you might get a little wet if you get too close!

get tickets

bud zero log boom

2024 Hydroplane Race event schedule

9:00 AM - H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Testing
10:35 AM - Vintage Hydroplanes
10:55 AM - J Hydro Heat 1
11:40 AM - H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Qualifying
2:50 PM - Vintage Hydroplanes
9:00 AM - H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Testing
10:30 AM - J Hydro Heat 2
11:35 AM - Vintage Hydroplanes
12:25 PM - H1 Heat 1A 5 Minute Gun
12:30 PM - H1 Heat 1A
12:45 PM - H1 Heat 1B 5 Minute Gun
12:50 PM - H1 Heat 1B
2:10 PM - Vintage Hydroplanes
2:35 PM - H1 Heat 2A 5 Minute Gun
2:40 PM - H1 Heat 2A
2:55 PM - H1 Heat 2B 5 Minute Gun
3:00 PM - H1 Heat 2B
9:00 AM - H1 Testing
10:00 AM - J Hydro Heat 3
10:20 AM - H1 Testing
11:00 AM
• Opening Ceremonies
• King County Helo Flag Presentation
• National Anthem Singer
11:20 AM - J Hydro Final
11:40 AM - Vintage Hydroplanes
12:25 PM - H1 Heat 3A 5 Minute Gun
12:30 PM - H1 Heat 3A
12:45 PM - H1 Heat 3B 5 Minute Gun
12:50 PM - H1 Heat 3B
2:40 PM - H1 Final 5 minute Gun
2:45 PM - H1 Final
4:35 PM - H1 Awards Ceremony

Please note: All times are tentative and subject to change.

all about hydroplane racing

Seattle's love affair with hydroplane racing dates back to the 1950s when local boat builders and enthusiasts started tinkering with their designs to make them go faster.

Since then, hydroplane racing has become a beloved tradition in the Pacific Northwest, with Seattle serving as its unofficial capital. From the legendary Slo-mo-shun IV to the modern-day Miss HomeStreet, hydroplane racing has always been a showcase of innovation and speed.

Lake Washington is the third oldest H1 Unlimited race site. This year, we are celebrating 75 years of hydroplane racing at Seafair with multiple classes of boats.

At Seafair Weekend's Hydroplane Racing, you'll get to experience the thrills and excitement of this historic sport firsthand. Watch as the sleek hydroplanes race across the water, reaching speeds of over 220 miles per hour.

Experience the engine roars and rooster tails as the boats carve tight corners around the racecourse. It's an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss!

quick links

Genesee Park and Lake Washington:
4316 S Genesee St, Seattle, WA 98118

View Seafair Weekend Maps and Parking
View Seafair Weekend Shuttles and Public Transportation
View Seafair Weekend Accessibility (ADA) Information
Prior to attending Seafair events, please read through the entire Event FAQ. Learn about permitted and prohibited items and other common questions.
If you can't make it to the lake, make sure to tune in to KONG TV with live coverage of the races and air show. Or, tune in to 88.9 FM The Bridge for Log Boom Radio, Mercer Island High School’s radio station, which will be broadcasting the excitement all weekend long.

SEAFAIR HYDROPLANE PERFORMERS

h1 Unlimited Hydroplane Racing

H1 Unlimited is an American Unlimited Hydroplane racing league that is sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association (APBA).

A hydroplane (or hydro, or thunderboat) is a very specific type of motorboat used exclusively for racing. One of the unique characteristics about hydroplanes is that they only use the water they're on for propulsion and steering (not for flotation) - when going at full speed they are primarily held aloft by a principle of fluid dynamics known as "planing," with only a tiny fraction of their hull actually touching the water.

Vintage Hydroplanes

Some of Seafair’s favorite vintage boats will thunder on the waters of Lake Washington again. Stay tuned for what boats will be making their Seafair return!

Learn More

Junior Hydros - J Hydros

A fan favorite since 2019, is thrilled to be returning for 2024. If you are nine years old and dream of someday playing baseball in the World Series, you need to start playing Little League. If the Super Bowl is your goal, you head to Pee Wee Football. But what do you do if you want to race an Unlimited Hydroplane? You can start very young with J-Hydro.

J stands for “Junior” and is the entry-level class of American Power Boat Association racing. J-Hydros are a little over nine feet long, weigh 300 pounds, and have a top speed of 40 miles per hour. They use a stock 13.2 cubic inch OMC or Mercury outboard engine. To participate in J-Hydro, a driver must be between 9 and 16 years old.