ATLANTIC CITY - Hurricane Igor proved too powerful for the fastest power boats in the world, as rough surf created by the storm in Bermuda canceled Atlantic City's hyped return to power boat racing Sunday.

Despite the setback, the Offshore Power Boat Association plans to bring a race to Atlantic City next year, spokesman Frank Caiozzo said.

The Offshore Power Boat Association's "Lightning on the Water" was to be Atlantic City's first return to the sport since 2004. The race, part of the association's series, was to be televised on Versus.

But conditions from Hurricane Igor, a Category 1 storm that hit Bermuda on Sunday, created rough waves and heavy surf that prompted the Coast Guard and power boat officials to call off the race for safety reasons, Caiozzo said.

The planned noontime start was pushed back in hopes the ocean conditions would improve. But they did not.
The event drew a scattering of spectators to the beach near the Steel Pier. Some brought binoculars and beach chairs as they waited for nearly an hour for the race to begin.

But the size of the waves beating against the pier made onlookers doubt whether the race would take place. Otherwise, the weather was warm, with temperatures reaching a high of 81 for the day, AccuWeather data show. Today's forecast calls for a high of 77 degrees under mostly sunny skies.

John Miletto, of Galloway Township, watched through his binoculars for a race that never started. A speed enthusiast, Miletto said he planned to go home to watch drag racing on television Sunday night after his plans for the day did not pan out.

Brian and Janet Orey, of Hightstown, Mercer County, waited in their beach chairs as they watched the waves. "I'm a little upset, but at least there's nice weather," Brian Orey said.

Caiozzo said Sunday's surf was particularly dangerous to power boats because racers could have lost sight of one another among the waves.

"Also, if a boat breaks down out there and he's caught in the race course, boaters might not be able to see him," he said.

Because of the length of time needed to obtain permits, the event cannot be rescheduled this year, Caiozzo said.
"We're going to be working on this again next year. This is something good for Atlantic City," he said.