Engines roared Saturday during day one of the 2019 ARP Long Beach Sprint Nationals at Marine Stadium, the 70-year-old race that almost didn’t happen after a scuffle with the city of Long Beach over permits.

Race officials said that the venue was at capacity Saturday as fans huddled under pop-up tents for shade while watching multiple classes of boats compete.

Fans also got a close-up look at boats on display while sipping and eating libations provided by vendors. The event finished at 5 p.m. Saturday with races continuing Sunday morning.

Engines roar as boats compete during the 2019 ARP Long Beach Sprint Nationals at Marine Stadium. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Kaylee Hiebert hits a marker into turn one. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Charlie Hamill races his K Racing Runabout boat. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Charlie Hamill prepares to race his K Racing Runabout boat. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Heath Hiebert makes a splash as he heads into turn one. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Heath Hiebert heads into turn one. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Spectators line up in all forms of watercraft to get a better view. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Race fans during the 2019 ARP Long Beach Sprint Nationals at Marine Stadium. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Lance Stump and Scott Stump gain speed during in the cracker box class race. Photo by Stephen Carr.
From left to right, Paul Metha, Tim Hoffman and Gary Koeller during the start of the SE class race. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Race fans during the 2019 ARP Long Beach Sprint Nationals, at Marine Stadium Saturday, August 17, 2019. Photo by Stephen Carr.
From yacht to dingy, everyone was trying to get a good spot to watch. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Matt Booky and Richard Kendall celebrate after winning a cracker box class race. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Lance Stump and Scott Stump going cross the finish line during a cracker box class race. Photo by Stephen Carr.
GPS class racers wave to the crowd. Photo by Stephen Carr.
Boats on display during the 2019 ARP Long Beach Sprint Nationals. Photo by Stephen Carr.
This gleaming red hull was one of many boats for fans to look at between races. Photo by Stephen Carr.