KEY WEST MARKING 25TH YEAR OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OFFSHORE RACING TRADITION
KEY WEST, Florida Keys – Despite an unwelcome visit from Hurricane Wilma, the Key West World Championship offshore powerboat races are marking their silver anniversary, now through Sunday, Nov. 20.
About 65 boats are participating in the event that serves as the culmination of the 2005 racing season for Super Boat International Productions and American Power Boat Association/Union Internationale Motonautique competitors.
Events began with a land-based boat parade Sunday with trailered boats and their crews rolling down Key West's famed Duval Street.
Final racing is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 20. The fleet is to be divided into three separate races with starts at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Numerous social events are scheduled for racers and those purchasing special VIP packages.
The 6.5-mile course through Key West Harbor and surrounding waters is what makes Key West one of the premiere racing venues in the world.
"Key West is the only race we have on the circuit where fans can get a real close view," said John Tomlinson, the veteran multiple-time world-champion throttleman for the Budwiser Select Superboat. "It's a challenging race course."
What racers seem to like most about the course is the availability of both calm and rough water racing.
"You can be doing 140 to 150 mph in the harbor and then all of the sudden you hit the outside (legs) and the waves can knock you down to 90 mph," Tomlinson said. "That can make the race most intriguing."
For the final race Sunday, the Superboats, Super Cats and Super Vees are to complete 15 laps.
Village admission on race days and nonrace days is $15 and $5 respectively.
A variety of VIP packages, including lunch during race day and admission to social events, begin at under $200 per person. For complete details and a schedule of events, visit www.superboat.com or call 305-296-6166.
Other recommended viewing areas include Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and various Key West harborfront hotels that line the course.
For accommodations information, explore this Web site or call 1-800-LAST-KEY or 305-294-2587.
Offshore racing powerboats make the turn in Key West Harbor during a previous Key West Offshore Worlds powerboat racing championship. Photos by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau.
Drambuie On Ice, piloted by Hugh Fuller of Clearwater, Fla., and John Tomlinson of Miami race to a Super Cat class victory in a previous Key West Offshore Worlds powerboat championship.
Super Cat class offshore racing powerboats cross the start line in Key West Harbor during first of two races that comprise Key West Offshore Worlds powerboat racing championship. .