The Rochester offshore powerboat association was originally formed in the fall of 1987 by a group of offshore racing enthusiasts.  The oriignal focus for the club was to promote and organize the exciting sport of offshore powerboat racing in and around the greter Rochester area and western NY. The first local club race was held in September of 1988 on Lake Ontario with a ten mile oval course that ran from just east of teh Gennessee River to just west of Forest Lawn in Webster after the success of the race, ROPA organized two subsequent races in 1989 and 1990 utilizing the same course.  Thoe two races however, added an A.P.D.A. divisional race to the local club race.  This attracted over 60 high performance boats, some up to 41 feet long, and boasting up to 2000 hp with speeds up to 100 miles per hour.  Not only did these races provide excitement for spectators but ROPA donated proceeds to such worthy charities as the special olympics, Camp Good Days and Special Times.

In late 1990, due to lack of sponsorship and a faltering economy, the club was unable to plan for or host future offshore races.  In May of 1991 ROPA officials Bill Krystin, Lee D'Amico and Bob Markesteyn organized a meeting to reestablish the club with objectives and direction.  The emphasis of ROPA was now on the promoting of powerboating in general.  While ROPA still supports offshore racing, it is now a club to benefit power boaters of all types, sizes and speeds.  Each year since 1991, the club has organized social events and "poker" style fun runs on Lake Ontario, Sodus Bay, and Seneca Lake.  Our main focus is now on promoting safe powerboating, social activities and fun runs for our members, along with raising money for many local chairitabe organizations.  Rochester has always had well organized clubs for sail boaters but, until now there has not been an organization to benefit and camaraderie of powerboaters.

We welcome anyone with any size, style or speed of powerboat to join in on the fun!