Boat Owners Cheer Racers in Daytona Beach

 
Aquamarina Daytona proved to be a great facility for Speedweeks 2010 visitors.

By Photo credit Gary Beckett

Rick Jacobson, Capt. Jim Hildock and Paula Hildock off 82ft Chris-Craft Anna Marie. Photo by Gary Beckett.

Where were you when Jamie McMurray surprised countless racing fans with his win at NASCAR's biggest event of the year? One of the better spots to be for this year's Daytona 500 was Aquamarina Daytona, a full-service facility located at mile 831 on the Intracoastal Waterway, which hosted a number of boat owners who traveled to this shoreside town specifically for Speedweeks. The marina also hosted its second annual Race Week Kick-Off Party. The event, co-sponsored by the Chart House Restaurant that's adjacent to the marina property, drew race team owners, corporate sponsors and boaters who are big NASCAR fans. This facility is popular with racing fanatics because it's in the heart of Daytona Beach and close to the International Speedway. In addition, it's the only marina with berths for yachts up to 200 feet and one of few with 24-hour fuel and dockage. "We like the people here; we like all the dockmasters; we like the location," said Roy Wilkes who was in town for the 500 with his wife, Jane, aboard their 55-foot Fleming. For information on Aquamarina Daytona and Speedweeks 2011, go to www.ilovemymarina.com.