Get ready, Olympia—because the thunder is coming back to Black Lake. On July 12–13, 2025, the Black Lake Regatta returns, bringing with it a weekend of speed, skill, and tradition in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most legendary boat-racing venues.
For decades, Black Lake has been more than a scenic escape—it’s been a proving ground for some of the fastest boats and most fearless racers in the nation. This year’s national-level competition is expected to be one of the biggest in recent memory, drawing high-horsepower machines and seasoned drivers from across the country.
A Lake with Legacy
Black Lake has hosted racing events since the mid-20th century, earning a reputation for its fast, flat water—perfect for record-setting runs. Over the years, multiple APBA world records have been set right here in Olympia, WA, including jaw-dropping laps in the K-Racing Runabout and Super Stock Hydro classes.
Veteran racers will tell you: Black Lake is not just beautiful—it’s fast.
Classes That Bring the Heat
This year’s event will showcase a lineup of pulse-pounding classes, each with its own flavor of speed and danger:
K Racing Runabouts – With roaring V8s pushing over 100 mph, these flatbottom beasts are loud, aggressive, and absolutely thrilling. Their rooster tails can shoot stories high, and watching them knife through turns at full speed is something you never forget.
Super Stock Hydroplanes – These sleek, high-performance boats scream across the surface like skipping stones, using raw horsepower and perfect trim to ride the edge of control.
Cracker Boxes – Small but mighty, these boats are one of the sport’s most iconic throwbacks. With two pilots—a driver and a “rider” or throttleman—they require next-level teamwork. Expect tight races and wild corner battles.
Big Boats Need Big Tools
One of the unsung stars of the weekend? The crane stationed lakeside to launch the large hydroplanes and inboards. It’s a spectacle in itself—watching massive boats lifted, swung, and dropped into the water with surgical precision is a ritual every boat racing fan loves. It’s where steel meets skill before the race even begins.
What to Expect
All-day action from early morning warmups to late-afternoon finals.
Food vendors, family viewing areas, and paddock access to see the boats up close.
The crackle of engines, smell of race fuel, and thunder of acceleration you can feel in your chest.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or brand new to the sport, the Black Lake Nationals are a must-see event that celebrates not just speed, but community, tradition, and mechanical artistry.
Mark your calendars: July 12–13, 2025.
Come early. Stay loud. And don’t blink—you might miss a new world record.
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