APOLLO MECHANICAL CUP

Hydroplane Races

FRI-SUN, AUGUST 1-3, 2025 FROM 8:30AM TO 6PM

Friday General Admission is FREE courtesy of

Windermere Real Estate
Apollo Mechanical Contractors
Seafair Logo
Apollo Mechanical Contractors
Seafair Logo
Apollo Mechanical Contractors
Seafair Logo
Apollo Mechanical Contractors
Seafair Logo
Apollo Mechanical Contractors

About The Event

Winning the Apollo Mechanical Cup 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!

General Admission on Friday, August 1st is FREE courtesy of Windermere.

KONG TV

How To Watch the Seafair Hydroplane Races on TV

One Epic Weekend.
5 Unique Premium Experiences!
Get Up Close With The Blue Angels

Event Schedule

Testing & Quals
Vintage Hydroplanes
Grand Prix 1A
Grand Prix 1B
Grand Prix 1C

Testing & Quals
Grand Prix 2A
Grand Prix 2B
Grand Prix 2C
J Hydros 2
H1 1A
H1 1B
Grand Prix 3A
Grand Prix 3B
Grand Prix 3C
H1 2A
H1 2B

Testing & Quals
Opening Ceremonies
J Hydros 3
H1 3A
H1 3B
J Hydros Final
Grand Prix Final
H1 Final
Award Ceremony & Contingency Heats

Exact times will be announced later this summer as the schedule is finalized.

Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Performers

Grand Prix America

Grand Prix America Hydroplanes is a leading hydroplane racing series in North America, featuring some of the fastest boats on water. With a focus on competition, innovation, and community engagement, GPA continues to bring the best of hydroplane racing to fans across the continent.  

H1 Unlimited

The Unlimiteds are powered by turbine-engines that produce around 3,000 horsepower – allowing drivers to reach speeds of nearly 200 mph and producing a massive 60-foot tall, 300-foot long wall of water called a “roostertail” behind them. With very few restrictions, these majestic hydroplanes race in front of shorelines packed with fans on bodies of water throughout the United States.

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!

Junior Hydros – J Hydros

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.

Festival Info

Parking & Transportation

The ADA parking lot is located on 43rd and Genesee. This is first-come-first-serve. The lot fills up quickly, please come early for a spot.

Fans are invited to get to the park using public transportation, including Metro and Link Light Rail, as well as ride-share and bicycle options. Guests arriving via Link Light Rail can get off at the Columbia City station and take advantage of our free round-trip shuttle service from the station to the park Friday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

More information coming soon. Sign up for notifications.

Accessibility & ADA

Our complimentary shuttle stops at the ADA parking lot on 43rd and Genesee, Main Gate, 43rd & Lake Washington Boulevard, and then Captains Club.

Seating Options for the Hydroplane Races & Boeing Airshow:

  • Captains Club is a great seating option for all-day access that includes food and drink and a shaded area.
  • Grandstand Reserved Seats provide a spectacular lake front view of all the action. Get off the Seafair Shuttle at the Lake Washington Blvd. and make your way toward the pit entrance.
  • Open Seating is Available Near South Turn Beach, first come – first serve.

Event FAQs

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.

No. General Admission at the gate is free, but Premium Experience access (Grandstands, The Deck, Hydroplane Pits, Captain’s Club) and parking are charged at the regular rate.

There are 3 ways to enter Seafair Weekend Festival at Genesee Park:

The main entrance is located at Genesee Park & Playfield at the corner of 43rd Ave S & S Genesee St.

The North Entrance is located at Lake Washington Blvd S and Lake Park Dr S.

The South Entrance is located at 49th Ave S and Lake Washington Blvd S.

Military Discounts are offered on General Gate Admission Charges by presenting a valid Military ID on the day of event.

General Gate Admission is waived for active Military and discounted 50% for spouse / family / retired with proper ID presented at the gate for admission.

*Please note, due to the limited number of seats, Military discounts are not available for our premium experiences (Captain’s Club, Grandstand Seating, The Deck, etc.).

Visit our Volunteer Page where you can learn more about volunteering and how to sign-up.

• All Weapons (including guns, knives, brass knuckles, loose batteries, wires, box cutters)
• Drugs, drug paraphernalia, or any other illegal substances
• Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• Sparklers, fireworks or incendiary materials of any kind
• All Noisemakers (including megaphones, air horns, sirens, whistles)
• Laser Lights and Pointers
• Mace/Pepper spray
• Animals and pets (excluding service animals)
• Footballs, Frisbees, Baseballs and other projectiles
• Helium balloons
• Enclosed or Walled Tents
• Gas or charcoal BBQs
• Smoking or vaping
• Glass Containers
• Alcohol

*Seafair retains the right to prohibit additional items deemed to be dangerous or inappropriate.

Yes, all bags will be searched upon entry. Prohibited items found within the park will be disposed of without return.

  • Strollers and small wagons
  • Bicycles, skateboards, and other personal transportation items (must be stored at the Event’s Bike Compound)
  • Personal umbrellas (cannot be inserted into the ground)
  • Lawn chairs
  • Sunscreens and canopies (must be removed by 6pm)
  • Blankets
  • Coolers
  • Non-alcoholic beverages (must have the original seal, no glass bottles)
  • Cameras
  • Tablets and laptops
  • Stainless steel or plastic water bottles

*Review the FAQ for each individual event as items may change.

Use of drones is strictly prohibited by law and will be prosecuted. See drone policy.

Ticket Info

General Admission Tickets

Seafair Weekend Festival is Seattle’s premier boating event, air show, and festival all rolled into one.

It features live music, delicious food and beverage options, and various family-friendly activities. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, Seafair Weekend promises to deliver an incredible experience that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.

Known and loved as an unofficial Puget Sound holiday, this is the most anticipated event of the summer! Join in the fun and create memories that will last a lifetime!

General Admission on Friday, August 1st is FREE courtesy of Windermere.

Listed prices are inclusive of all required taxes, including local and state admissions or parking taxes, where applicable.

Thank You To Our Signature Sponsor
Seafair Signature Partners
Seafair Media Partners