Organizers will seek Bradenton regatta for 2017, possibly in the spring

MANATEE -- Organizers of the second annual Bradenton Area River Regatta say they want to return in 2017 and will seek approvals from the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto as soon as possible.

Event organizer Mike Fetchko said the weather may have dampened this year's event, but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm to bring the regatta back for a third time.

"The regatta was a great success on many fronts despite the weather," said Fetchko. "It was a success in terms of the public did come out in

large amounts, especially during peak times with Formula 2 and HydroCross. If we feel bad as event organizers, it's for the vendors not seeing the numbers they would have liked. But we are very appreciative of Bradenton, Palmetto and our partners and sponsors."

But Fetchko, president of ISM-USA, did say he is considering moving the regatta to later in the spring.

"We discussed it with staff and event partners, and I can say that ISM-USA is building a return and we are coming back hopefully with the cooperation of our sponsors and the cities," he said. "We are already looking at possible dates and moving it to maybe in early April. We are 100 percent energized and enthusiastic in that planning."

Unlike the 2015 regatta, officials were not as eager to estimate crowd numbers this past weekend. Bradenton Police Captain William Fowler said it was hard to estimate a number, "but obviously, it was nowhere near as much as last year."

Thousands still braved cold and wet conditions at various times, but Fetchko wouldn't put a number on the event, either.

"But we saw the bridge filled during certain peaks, Palmetto was more successful and Riverwalk had its high peaks," he said. "It certainly wasn't like last year's numbers for sure. But other than the numbers, Formula 2 still ran more laps than they do anywhere else despite the delays and cancellation of the final race."

Sharon Winer, co-owner of the Powerboat Super League Series, said the series has every intention of returning.

"Weather is always a concern, but you learn to work with it and not against it," said Winer. "We have 30 years of racing experience, so we know that you do what you can to entertain the fans."

Winer was still impressed with the turnout given the weather.

"I looked up and saw that the bridge was full of people and I was just astounded," she said. "These people are so supportive, and it takes a good fan to stand in the rain. They were there with cameras, videos and yelling their support. That means a lot. We love Bradenton and Palmetto and so do our drivers. It's a fun place to be, and we absolutely want to come back."

There were no major incidents to report, according to Bradenton Public Works Director Claude Tankersley. He said from an incident command team's perspective, "Everything went smoothly."

Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant said she will not meet with her staff until later this week and after that, she has a meeting with Fetchko.

"My concern right now is that we are reimbursed for our city staff working the regatta through a percentage of the food sales, and we don't know what that will look like yet," said Bryant. "We kind of have to wait on the numbers, but obviously the weather took its toll. It's hard to gauge it, but I will say that the organizers did honor everything we had discussed and there was quite a bit a more activity on this side of the river."

Bryant said it's too early to say whether Palmetto would support a third regatta.

"There are a lot of factors left to consider," she said. "As to what direction the city might go, I really couldn't tell you right now."

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 11:49 PM with the headline "Organizers will seek Bradenton regatta for 2017, possibly in the spring ."