Snore It is with deep disappointment that the organizers of the 2025 Roar on the River announce the cancellation of this year’s event, originally scheduled to take place in Highlands, NJ.
Sanctioned by the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA Racing), the Roar on the River had quickly become a cornerstone event for the region, and 2025 was shaping up to be its biggest year yet.
Backed by 100% of the local waterfront businesses and a community passionate about offshore racing, the event had earned its place as a celebrated gathering along the Jersey Shore.
In just its second year, the organizers had secured enough funding to offer a substantial prize purse and coordinated seamlessly with Jersey Shore Boat Racing (JSBR), who were set to headline Saturday’s inshore races. “We are truly brokenhearted for the community,” said Nick Smith, President of OPA Racing. Not just for the people of Highlands, but for the entire offshore racing community—because Highlands had become a part of that family.
“We search high and low for coastal towns like Highlands, who open their arms to the racers and obsess over the return of powerboat racing. There just aren’t many places left like Highlands.”
The decision to cancel the event follows an unexpected and ultimately insurmountable denial from the United States Coast Guard (USCG), despite ongoing collaboration and extensive adjustments to address their concerns.
After submitting the permit for the marine event on December 4th, 2024. In mid-April 2025, the USCG raised concerns initially assumed to be related to personnel or safety staffing. All required documentation surrounding medical and rescue operations was promptly submitted and deemed sufficient.
However, the primary concern centered around the proximity of the race course to the waterfront docks in Highlands. In response, organizers reconfigured the race course with significant buffer zones, even at the expense of prime spectator access and valuable shoreline visibility.
Despite the changes and a dramatic increase in safety assets—tripling those used during last year’s successful event—the final course plan was denied just ten days before the scheduled start. Forcing organizers to question the timing of a plan that had been submitted for so long.
The decision to cancel was made with heavy hearts and finality. Among the organizing board were Highlands Police Chief Robert Burton, OEM Director Anthony Flores, Mayor Carolyn Broullon, and Charlie Wells of the Monmouth County Dive Team—each of whom played vital roles in ensuring the event’s preparedness and community support.
“This was going to be a signature event, not just for racing fans but for the entire town, ” said Carla Cefalo of the Highlands Business Partnership (HBP). “The momentum, the spirit, the planning—it was all there. We are at a complete loss.”
OPA Racing remains committed to bringing world-class offshore racing to coastal communities and expresses its deepest gratitude to the town of Highlands for its unwavering support. The organization remains hopeful that the spirit of Roar on the River will one day return to Highlands, stronger than ever.
