World Title Powerboat Races to Roar Into Key West Now Through Nov.10

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Fans of adrenaline, speed and skill on the water are to gather in Key West, one of the globe’s top venues for offshore powerboat racing, happening now through Nov. 10 to crown the world’s top teams.

The Race World Offshore Key West Championships are to kick off at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, with a parade, dubbed the “World’s Fastest Boat Parade,” down the island's historic Duval Street.

The action intensifies throughout the week, with leading U.S. and international teams competing in high-speed races Wednesday, Nov. 6; Friday, Nov. 8; and Sunday, Nov. 10. Races are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on all three days.

Event organizers are predicting a field of around 30 boats, ranging from 32-foot catamarans powered by large outboard engines to 48-foot catamarans with twin 1,600-horsepower motors capable of speeds above 165 mph.

A portion of the challenging 4.4 mile-per-lap course runs through Key West Harbor, meaning smooth water where racers can achieve fast speeds and fans can watch from vantage points breathtakingly close to the action. The boats are to race in a clockwise direction.

Varying water conditions along the course afford race teams the chance to test both equipment endurance and hull and propulsion design during the season-ending championship series.

“Offshore racing events in Key West are often compared to road-racing marquee events like the Daytona 500, Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500,” said Race World Offshore officials.

On race days, spectators can get an unmatched view from areas at the Truman Waterfront Race Village. Entrance to the village is located at the end of Southard Street past Thomas Street and Truman Annex.

Other popular viewing areas include restaurants and bars at harborfront hotels, as well as Key West’s Mallory Square.

Awards ceremonies are scheduled at the end of the race day Wednesday and Friday, with the world championship awards being presented late Sunday afternoon at the Truman Waterfront Amphitheater.

On nonrace days, enthusiasts can view the boats, watch in-water testing runs and mingle with racers and crews at the race village.

A variety of social events is scheduled before and in between race days. Events include a planned concert Thursday, Nov. 7, headlined by country music star Lee Brice at the Truman Waterfront Amphitheater and coordinated by Rams Head Productions.

On Saturday, Nov. 9, race organizers are planning a Key West Boat Building Contest and Race providing materials to teams of four to 12 participants to build a boat in an hour and then race them at approximately 11 a.m.

General admission tickets for offshore powerboat race days are available, as are all-inclusive VIP spectator passes for the Truman Waterfront grandstands, hospitality tent and official ticketed parties.

Event information: raceworldoffshore.com/key-west

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

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