The Southernmost Regatta

Jan 20-25,2025

Feb 20-23,2025, welcome to the southernmost regatta powered by sailing inc..

Our mission to provide a fun, sustainable event that features high-quality racing and social activities, while bringing sailors and industries partners together in a welcoming environment.

sailboat race key west

5 Days of Racing

The Southernmost Regatta offers 5 consecutive days of high-quality racing on the picturesque blue waters of Key West, FL. The event is open to One Design and ORC Racing / Cruising Keelboats. Our plan is to provide a two races a day on two course, a One Design Course and an ORC Course. We will also offer one distance race a day for ORC cruisers.

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Back to the Basics

The focus of The Southernmost Regatta is maximize your enjoyment on and off the water by getting back to the basics of what made racing in Key West great… the opportunity to race on blue water, experience the island culture and reconnect with our friends during the cold winter months.

sailboat race key west

"Racing in Key West had an epic 30 year run and being part of nearly every one of those years made it more than an annual event but a way of life. It was what January was dedicated to every year. The opportunity to reignite that flame, albeit on a much smaller scale is worth pursuing in the hope that when properly fanned and fed the fire will once again burn brightly.”

— Rob Ruhlman

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Rise of the Southernmost Regatta

  • By Dave Reed
  • August 10, 2022

Vesper

When Marty Kullman finally got home after orchestrating his weeklong Southernmost Regatta in Key West , his phone was lighting up. Texts, emails and phone messages, he says, poured in from people thanking him for pulling off the regatta. “It was off the charts how many people actually took the time to reach out and thank me for bringing us back to the best sailing we’ve done in a long time,” Kullman says. “That and the conditions we had were the highlights for me.”

The Southernmost got its start in 2021 as a getaway regatta for a small band of J/111 class owners. “That was a bit of a test run,” Kullman says. “There was a lot of connecting with city officials, the Navy, the Coast Guard and all sorts of people. Developing relationships with the right people was critical.”

Key to executing the regatta was keeping costs in check, Kullman adds. A big country music festival at the same time presented a pile of challenges with boat launching and housing, but in the end, 48 boats registered, spread across fleets of GL52s, J/111s, Melges 24s and J/70s, as well as a five-boat ORC division. Kullman was adamant the regatta should have a grassroots feel and only two races per day.

Basing operations and the nightly socials at the Galleon Marina, Kullman and his volunteer army delivered with the bare essentials. With the Omicron variant spiking (although you’d never know it on Duval, he says), there was no need to host big parties and secure city permits as in the past. “The socials started right away after sailing at the Galleon with Mount Gay Rum, there was a short awards thing outside at the Tiki Bar with the sunset, and then everyone could go on their way to team dinners or whatever. It worked out great.”

His edict for the racing itself was that it be fun, and he drove that point home numerous times to the many hard-charging professionals in attendance to keep the racing clean and easy. “We had one protest the entire week,” Kullman says. “That was between a couple of the GL52s, and they eventually worked it out between them. So, technically, no protests were heard.”

The list of naysayers is long, Kullman says, but after a week of what owners and crews agree was a classic Key West experience—proven by the explosion of in-your-face, look-at-what-you-missed social media posts—he’s ­committed to doing it again. And again.

With one running of the Southernmost under his belt, Kullman is unsure how he can continue to grow it, scale it and keep it on the down low, but “what we did is sustainable,” he says. “This is what sailing needs. If it’s the same next year, I’m sure everyone will be happy because it will be as successful, but we know already that there is strong interest from a lot of other classes. We will cap it for sure next year if we need to.”

He’ll do whatever it takes to get people excited about sailing, he says. And he’ll get back to it just as soon as his phone stops dinging. In the meantime, here’s what the winners have to say about their week of fun in the sun.

GL52 Vesper – David Team

It had been about 20 years since David Team set foot in Key West with his sailing gear, but he fondly and easily recalls the glory days of Race Week, racing with his brother in the gigantic Melges 24 fleet of the time. Doing 20 knots in a dinghylike sportboat was a much different experience than the sleepy, light breezes of Newport Beach—an experience he says is seared into his memory.

But that was then and this is now, and this year Team showed up with his GL52, Vesper , which he’s been campaigning since 2018. He’s taken the program on the road over the last few years, competing on the Great Lakes and the East Coast, and when his fellow 52 owners all pushed to put the Southernmost on the calendar, how could he possibly say no?

sailboat race key west

With most of Vesper ’s regular crew, led by all-star tactician Morgan Larson, they won five of 12 races in the five-boat fleet—not an easy task given the caliber of those in attendance. Team Vesper excelled in the big breeze of the first four days, even though conditions didn’t ­necessarily suit their boat.

“With our particular hull form, we ­actually do OK in the waves with the others, so we don’t mind it,” Team says. “Even though Vesper is a light-air boat, we were fast for the first couple of days, especially downwind.”

Good starts contributed to good ­finishes, he adds, and a lot of that was Larson’s guidance in the box. “Starting in these boats is a lot of work, and in some cases, it can almost be easier when it’s windy because the boats tend to separate a bit more,” Team says. “You have to stay a bit closer to your boatspeed so you don’t get yourself in trouble. The thing with this fleet is that no one holds back, so you can’t be late either.”

Vesper

Perfect sailing conditions aside, Team’s personal highlight of the week was a bit of piracy on the final day: “The crew snuck beers on board,” he says. “That was a good way to end it.”

J/70 Dingbat – Bobby Julien

Bobby Julien, of Delray Beach, Florida, declares himself a “total newbie” to sailboat racing, but by the looks of his team’s scores at the Southernmost Regatta, you’d say he’s pulling your leg. But no, it’s true, he says. The last time he skippered a boat with a tiller, he was 13 years old. Julien can thank his three young’uns for his latest obsession. “My kids started racing six years ago, and after watching them and thinking about it for a few years, I finally decided to do it myself,” he says.

But how? And what boat?

He asked around, and all recommendations pointed to the J/70. He eventually found one in Houston, and Dingbat ’s first team hire was Alec Anderson, who solidified a squad with Chris Waters upfront and pro trimmer Will Felder on the sheets. One day of practice is all Julien got before being thrown into the J/70 madness in Miami in early January. Then it was straight to Key West for outing No. 2, a much smaller fleet and an opportunity to work on his boathandling. After two days of practice, he was in the thick of it, rifling off wins in six of 10 races. Beginner’s luck, Julien says. But for a guy who had never raced in the big breeze and waves of Key West, he may be underselling his undiscovered talent.

Dingbat crew

“It was shifty and definitely not easy to steer in the first races,” Julien says. “It takes a lot of concentration, but it was so much fun. I’m so happy I’m back into sailing.”

With less traffic to contend with, they could focus on developing boatspeed and mechanics, and his confidence skyrocketed over five days. “As a new skipper, I was very tense and stressed on the tiller on the first day, and by the end of the week I was relaxing way more,” Julien says, “more confident through the tacks and jibes. It was ugly at the beginning, but that’s what I’m learning—the art of the turn.”

The relaxing vibe of Key West was also an opportunity for the 54-year-old real estate developer to take his mind off work and put it to something else. “Everyone was there to have a good time,” is the first-­timer’s takeaway. “It was awesome. In terms of location of a regatta, it was first-class. Great atmosphere—no complaints at all. The venue itself, I now know, is beautiful. The sailing is amazing.”

ORC Interlodge IV – Gwen Fragomen

Austin and Gwen Fragomen’s Interlodge sailing team rolled into Key West with not one, but two slick grand-prix boats: the GL52 for Austin and the Botin 44 for Gwen. The squad of top-shelf pros and their state-of-the-art hardware were no match for the rest of the smaller and much older ORC boats. Interlodge IV won nine of 10 races, losing the one by a mere 3 seconds on corrected time. Some would say it wasn’t fair, but for Olympic 49erFX sailor Stephanie Roble, the results didn’t really matter. It was the experience of a lifetime being part of a big program.

Botin 44

Roble drove the 44-footer for the first day, and for the rest of the week she helmed the starts, passing the wheel to Gwen for the remainder of the race. On the last day, Gwen helmed from start to finish, which Roble says was the team’s goal for the week. “She picked up everything so quickly,” Roble says, “so everyone was really stoked on that.”

But about that first windy day: “It was an amazing experience,” Roble says. “It was an absolute blast, and I really had to pinch myself that I was driving this beautiful boat with this incredible team around me. It was a super-cool moment.”

Cool Breeze

Differences between the tiller of a 49erFX and the carbon wheel of the big speed machine were many, Roble says, especially upwind: “There isn’t much feel to it with such a small rudder. Plus, I’m so used to feeling the wind on my face, and on the trapeze, you can feel everything. Plus, this boat wants to sail upwind at 25 degrees of heel angle—I’m more used to 1 to 2 degrees of windward or leeward heel—so that took some getting used to.”

Eventually, Roble ignored the instruments and sailed the boat as if it were a skiff. “The times when we weren’t going well was when I was looking at the instruments too much,” she says. “When I focused more on the heel—feeling things, looking at the water and listening for the puff calls—is when we started going better.”

sailboat race key west

The boat is an apparent-wind machine, just like her 49erFX, so there wasn’t too much adaptation once the big kite was set. “The technique is similar,” Roble says. Turn it up, load up the rudder and send it. But don’t get greedy. “Everything is about trying to find the edge, loading the boat and then releasing it,” she says. “And when you release it, you can really feel the acceleration. It’s sensational. I remember just trying to visualize myself in the 49er, being aggressive on the wheel to keep it trucking the whole time. It was so much fun. I was honored and grateful to be part of the program.”

Melges 24 Raza Mixta – Victor Diaz de Leon

Raza Mixta tactician Victor Diaz de Leon wasn’t doing his teammates any favors on the starting line of the talent-packed 17-boat Melges 24 fleet at the Southernmost. Too much time in the J/70 was messing with his timing. “I was setting us up too early on starboard,” says the J/70 world-­champion tactician (with Peter Duncan’s Relative Obscurity ). “On the 70, you can sail those slow speeds because of the really fat keel, but the cord length on the 24’s keel is short, so when you set up too early, you slide sideways a lot. And then you’re at the mercy of others coming in from behind with speed.”

With average starts and decent pace upwind, Duncan, Diaz de Leon, Matt Pistay and Greiner Hobbs made their advances on the runs.

“It was so fun and dynamic with the waves downwind,” Diaz de Leon says. “With Erik’s trimming and Peter’s driving—that was a lot of our success because we made our money downwind with really kinetic and aggressive sailing.”

Raza Mixta

They opened their 10-race series with a third and second, but the next day they put up two wins, banking valuable points that would later come into play. “It was very shifty that day,” Diaz de Leon says. “I was able to pretty much nail the shifts with a bit of luck. I often find myself being too conservative on how much leverage I take. For the last two years I’ve consistently finished second or third, so I started thinking that I have to start trusting my gut a little bit more. That day, I thought there was more breeze on the left, and so I said, ‘Screw it, there’s more wind out left, and I’m not going to tack until we’re into it.’ I finally got it right.”

Pacific Yankee

After being runner-up in Key West ­several times, Diaz de Leon was stoked with the win for his team. “This was one of my favorite regattas ever. The sailing was amazing; the water color, the wind, the conditions were money. When it stopped a few years ago, it was such a bummer, so I was so super-excited to be back.”

J/111 Bravo – Andrew Ward

Every Sunday through the New England winter, Andrew Ward plunges into the Atlantic near his home on Shelter Island, New York. “My buddy from Sweden says it’s good for me,” he says. Invigorating as the cold shock may be, Ward is no fool. He knows the better place to take a dip in January is Key West, and that’s where he and his teammates on the J/111 Bravo found themselves scraping for every inch in the final race to win their division.

J/111

With Bill Hardesty calling tactics, Bravo won the regatta’s first two races, but then fell into a daily pattern of scoring one good race and one stinker. The second-to-last race of the regatta was their worst—a DFL—which left them facing a complex scenario going into the final one-race day. In order to beat Ian Hill’s Sitella , they had to finish ahead, with one boat between them.

“We went out early—Bill ­suggested it because our worst races were in light air,” Ward says. “So, we went out and messed around with the rig for a bit, and loosened it to power it up a little better.”

As the helmsman, Ward doesn’t remember much of the final race. He was doing his job keeping his eyes glued to the telltales. Only on the final beat, with the course shortened to an upwind finish, did he take a look around. He could see it was going down to the wire. Approaching the finish, Fireball was close behind them on starboard, but Sitella was on port, so it was hard to judge which boat was ahead. “We beat Sitella , but we had to watch it play out,” Ward says. “We were cheering on the Fireball guys, and only after they finished did my whole body just relax.”

Ward’s 90-year-old father, Sedgwick, who owns and races the boat in Shelter Island, watched it all play out from the sidelines, which made the win all the sweeter. “We’ve been racing this boat for 10 years, with a lot of seconds and thirds, so winning one was really nice, especially in Key West and especially with him watching,” Ward says. “All the firsts we got were awesome, but to go from eighth to winning in the last race—that’s my best Key West moment.”

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2022 Key West Southernmost Regatta is back

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Festivals & Events

Offshore powerboat racing world championships.

When: November 5 - November 12, 2023

Where: Truman Waterfront Park, Southard St, Key West, FL 33040

The Key West Offshore Racing World Championship is to begin on Sunday, November 5th, 2022 kicking off the week with a parade of the world's fastest boats.

The first race starts on Wednesday the 8th with 1st race time at 10 am, followed by 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm start times.

The second race starts on Friday the 10th and the third race starts on Sunday the 12th, both with the same race start times as Wednesday.

Full Schedule of Events

General Admission will be Sold On-site at Truman Waterfront Park.

  • Single Day: $25
  • Three Day Pass: $53
  • Kids 12 & under: Free
  • Military & Veterans: Free (must show ID)

sailboat race key west

sailboat race key west

Published on February 9th, 2022 | by Assoc Editor

Southernmost Regatta returns in 2023

Published on February 9th, 2022 by Assoc Editor -->

Key West, FL (February 9, 2022) – After having 45 boats compete in the inaugural edition of The Southernmost Regatta last month, the second edition is now confirmed. The 2023 edition will see racing from January 16 – January 20, 2023 with 9 races planned for the regatta.

“We were thrilled with the excitement and turnout surrounding The Southernmost Regatta this year, and our team was so excited to confirm it coming back in 2023. January sailing in Key West is absolutely top-notch, and our team can’t wait to see another successful edition this year,” said Ryan Ruhlman of The Sailing Inc.

Registration is open now on Yachtscoring. The NOR is posted with likely classes including Melges 24s, J-70s, J-111s, ORC, and others based on interest.

“With such a successful inaugural edition, we kept hearing from all the competitors about how much fun they had both on and off the water. So we were excited to keep the racing in Key West alive for another go in 2023,” said Regatta Chairman Marty Kullman.

sailboat race key west

Andrew Ward, winner of the J-111 class in 2022 said, “Key West is my favorite place to sail in the winter with warm blue waters and perfect sailing conditions. We can’t wait to go back in 2023.”

Event information

Source: Event media

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Key West Worlds Finale: Twice As Nice

After finishing second in day one of Class 1 racing at the Offshore World Championships in Key West, Fla., on Friday, throttleman John Tomlinson and driver Carlos de Quesada in the 49-foot Victory catamaran, Huski/Alegra Motorsports, took advantage of some early chaos to leap out to the lead on Sunday.

This was a key move because the conditions on Sunday were calmer. Having no traffic in front let the duo run the line it wanted on a day that awards double points for completing more laps on its way to victory at the American Power Boat Association / Union Internationale Motonautique -sanctioned event produced by Race World Offshore and presented by Performance Boat Center .

sailboat race key west

Many competitors pulled double duty in Key West, but only John Tomlinson finished the weekend with two world championships, proving why he is considered by many to the best throttleman in offshore powerboat racing. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix .

“You have to be considerably faster to get around someone on this course,” said Tomlinson, who captured the world championship in the Class 1 race and the first UIM title with driver Taylor Scism in the 450R Factory Stock class, which became an official APBA class this year.

It’s a strategy that has played out on Sunday in the Race World Offshore season finale in Key West for decades. Typically, Wednesday and Friday are single-point races while Sunday requires teams to complete more laps to earn those valuable double points. It lets a team that didn’t start well finish strong and still be in the hunt for a podium at the end of the week. It also rewards consistency for teams that run well, but don’t necessarily take a checkered flag on any of the three days.

But this year there was no Wednesday race because of high winds caused by Hurricane Nicole. This gave any team that finished well on Friday an advantage going into Sunday’s races.

The rough conditions for the Friday’s contest gave the advantage to competitors who had experienced Key West’s volatile nature, but Mother Nature took a day of rest on Sunday. The course and winds were calm with no chance of rain. Several throttlemen who pulled double duty, competing in two races, made late propeller and setup changes after being on the 4.38-mile course for a race.

Flying First Class The 47-foot Victory, Huski Chocolate with driver Brit Lilly and throttleman Steve Curtis finished first on Friday followed by Tomlinson and de Quesada and driver Miles Jennings and throttleman Alex Pratt in the 45-foot MTI , Good Boy Vodka /XINSURANCE . That boat had to scratch for Sunday because of some bottom issues. The 50-foot Mystic, df Young, with owner/throttleman Rich Wyatt and driver Marc Granet, also scratched because one of its Stotler Racing engines broke on Friday.

This left a four-boat fleet in Class 1 on Sunday with owner/driver Jeff Stevenson and throttleman Mike Stancombe in the 42-foot MTI, JBS Racing , and Mike Falco and throttleman Chris Hanley in the 48-foot Outerlimits, DeFalco Racing . Nigel Hook and driver Jay Johnson in the 52-foot Mystic, Ocean Cup , and the 46-foot Skater, Rare Stash Bourbon , made up the Extreme class.

sailboat race key west

Ocean Cup’s error created chaos in the Class 1 fleet.

With the boats in the Extreme class starting in the outside lanes, the Class 1 boats were inside with lane position determined by inverting their order of finish from Friday. This put the Huski boats side by side in lanes three and four.

When the green flag flew, Ocean Cup got out to what looked like a good lead, but the boat veered across the course to the left in front of the rest of the fleet. Then it appeared to turn back to the right, again in front of the other boats.

“I said, ‘Steve they’re going to the wrong buoy,’” Lilly said. “I went right through their roostertail and then I had to do it again. That’s the most dangerous thing I’ve ever seen.”

sailboat race key west

Down on power, Huski Chocolate could not make up lost time.

Lilly said that having to make the evasive maneuver cost he and Curtis about 10 seconds to their teammates, and because he had to drive through Ocean Cup’s roostertail twice, Huski Chocolate’s Mercury Racing 1100 Comp engines ingested saltwater and continued to lose power as the race went on.

Hook apologized to the Huski team’s crew chief Gary Stray. He said that by the time Johnson realized he was inside the buoy, he had to react to make the buoy that marked the entry to the turn.

“When you head to turn one you need to have a heading and follow it,” Hook explained. “He was seeing the buoy on the inside.

 “At the speed we’re going, you only have to be a little bit off to miss the buoy,” he continued. “For the show, all the boats starting together is good, but they need to put a bigger marker out there.”

Curtis’ and Lilly’s misfortune left the inside lane open for Huski/Alegra Motorsports. “I was far enough back, about a boat length behind Steve, and I went inside,” Tomlinson said. “After that I was able to squeeze out front and keep about two or three seconds on him.”

On a course of the size of Key West, once a skilled strategist like Tomlinson has the lead, it’s tough to take it away. He throttled Huski/Alegra Motorsports to the first of Tomlinson’s world championships on the day. Curtis and Lilly took second while owner/driver Jeff Stevenson and throttleman Micheal Stancombe took the final podium spot in JBS Racing.

M CON Breaks Through In the week’s final race, nine Super Cats and five boats in the 450R Factory Stock class took to the course. On Friday, throttleman Billy Moore and owner/driver Chris Grant put themselves in the command position winning in their 38-foot Skater, Graydel . Second went to owner/throttleman Tyler Miller and driver Myrick Coil in the 38-foot Skater, M CON , while the 38-foot Skater, Liquor Split, with throttleman Jimmy McIntyre and driver Jason Ventura took third.

sailboat race key west

With representatives from Monster Energy—the M CON team’s Class 1 sponsor starting in 2023—on hand, Tyler Miller and Myrick Coil left Key West with their first Super Cat world championship.

After having to pull off the course with a slit steering hose early on Friday, throttleman Grant Bruggemann and owner/driver Wayne Valder basically set up their 42-foot MTI catamaran, CELSIUS , on all-or-nothing mode. When the green flag waved, they used the inside lane to blast to the front to a lead that they would not relinquish.

“We were hoping M CON would take the bait and chase us and maybe break,” Bruggemann said. “Once they backed off and we had a lead, we just took care of the equipment.”

sailboat race key west

Though they won on Sunday, a Super Cat world championship was not in the cards for Wayne Valder and Grant Bruggemann of the CELSIUS team.

Attrition played more of a role in Sunday’s calm conditions. Graydel pulled off with trim issues and owner/driver Billy Mauff and throttleman Jay Muller blew a new motor in the 40-foot Skater, WHM Motorsports , after three laps. Liquor Split pulled off soon after with its own mechanical problems.

This left the door open for the 39-foot Outerlimits, SV Offshore Racing , to claim a hard-earned third place on Sunday and a podium finish for the week.

“It’s the best we’ve ever looked and felt,” said throttleman Vinnie Diorio, who partners with driver Simon Prevost from Canada. “If we wouldn’t have tested yesterday, we wouldn’t have finished today.”

sailboat race key west

The SV Offshore Racing team notched its strongest outing to date in Key West.

In the end, M CON claimed its first Super Cat world championship after Coil convinced Miller that he didn’t need to track down CELSIUS . Bruggemann and Valder finished second in the championship followed by SV Offshore .

“It was a long time coming,” said Miller of his first Super Cat title. “With 16 laps, we wanted to put the boat into position to win and after about four or five laps, Myrick said, ‘We don’t have to beat CELSIUS .’”

Miller admitted that the message didn’t sink in for another couple of laps. “We were coming out of the harbor turn and I said, ‘OK, I don’t need to beat them.’”

Miller explained that the team had been watching the weather predictions for Sunday and knew the winds would lay down. The M CON team set up the boat accordingly.

But it had additional motivation to do well. The team’s transportation specialist, Craig Amptmeyer, had a scooter accident earlier in the week that put him in intensive care with multiple injuries. Doctors almost sent him to Miami, but instead operated on him in Key West.

Amptmeyer recovered well enough to get out of the hospital on Thursday evening and he rested on Friday and Saturday so he could be in the pits for Sunday’s finale.

As if that wasn’t enough, the team found some engine issues late Friday. Mike D’Anniballe of Sterling Performance Engines worked side by side with the M CON crew until the wee hours of Saturday morning to resolve the problems.

When Muller’s day ended early, he and Mauff safely crossed the course to head back into the pits. This left Muller the opportunity to watch his sons Jax and Chase complete the race in the 40-foot Motion, RPI/Wicked , after breaking an engine on Friday. They also finished one place ahead of their dad in the final standings.

Her Father’s Daughter Also on the water with the Super Cats was the five-boat 450R Factory Stock fleet, and the boats were competing to make history in the first UIM world championship for the class. After the Class 1 race, Tomlinson made the call to go down one propeller size for the 39-foot MTI catamaran, TS Motorsports, that he races with Taylor Scism, the daughter of MTI founder and owner, Randy Scism, who is also a multi-time world champion.

sailboat race key west

At the tip of the 450R Factory Stock class since it launched two years ago, Taylor Scism and John Tomlinson delivered a history-making performance in Key West.

At the start, Tomlinson’s decision proved to make the difference. TS Motorsports could out-accelerate throttleman Gary Balllough and driver Willy Cabeza in the 39-foot MTI, GC Racing .

“I didn’t go too tall on the prop,” Tomlinson said. “I put on something a little smaller. That’s what got us out front and we were able to stretch the lead.”

Added Ballough, “We were running good and had one bigger prop than the team that won it. We had the legs but they had the acceleration.”

Driver Francois Pirelli and throttleman Michel Karsenti in the 38-foot Doug Wright, Gladiator-Canados got past throttleman Billy Allen and driver Randy Keys in the 39-foot MTI, KLOVAR Motorsports, to claim the final podium spot.

After spearheading the effort to get the 450R Factory Stock class recognized and spending 2021 running unopposed, Scism was emotional after winning the first UIM world championship in the category’s history.

“It feels incredible,” she said. “Key West has such a strong history for my family, it was emotional crossing the finish line.”

Through a combination of her efforts on the racecourse and gracious professionalism off it, Scism has become a role model for young girls—one even dressed up as her for Halloween—and women.

“When we did the awards, there were 10 little girls waiting,” she said.

The GC Racing team took second in the world championship standings followed by Gladiator-Canados .

Team Allen Lawn Care Cuts The Glass

sailboat race key west

Billy Allen and Cody McDowell were the models of consistency, which led them to a UIM Super Stock-class world title.

Even with a couple of scratches after Friday’s action, the Super Stock class still had the largest fleet on Sunday with 10 boats. As they did in race one, Ballough and owner/driver Cole Leibel charged to the lead in the 32-foot Victory, Big East Construction . The team held a significant lead for the first half of the race before a blown fuse brought their day to a halt.

To explain just how much of a lead Big East had, it’s best to let Coil, who was driving the 32-foot Doug Wright, Performance Boat Center, with throttleman Rusty Williams in second, explain.

“We went out there and had a good race today,” Coil admitted. “I thought we were going to get second to Big East .”

The breakdown hit hard for Ballough, particularly because his cockpit-mate is the nephew of offshore racing great, Lorne Leibel.

“It was a big moment of disappointment because I wanted to show Victory what I haven’t shown them thus far,” said the veteran racer, who is harder on himself than any competitor could be. “I don’t need another world championship (he has 18), but I was sitting in there with a guy who’s been coming down here since he was four years old.”

But Ballough took away at least one positive note from the experience.

 “We know we can run out front, we know the boat is going in the right direction,” he said. “You can learn more about your boat here in a week than you can learn in two seasons of testing.”

After finishing third on Friday, the 32-foot Doug Wright, LPC , with owner Loren Peters and driver Anthony Smith took third again Sunday. Fourth on Sunday went to owner/throttleman Billy Allen and driver Cody McDowell in the 32-foot Doug Wright, Team Allen Lawn Care and Landscaping .

Combined with its first place on Friday, Team Allen claimed the world title in Super Stock for 2022. The rebound victory on Sunday put Performance Boat Center in second followed by LPC in third. All three teams call the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri their home-water.

sailboat race key west

Said Myrick Coil of the Performance Boat Center team, “Lake of the Ozarks, one, two, three.”

While Friday had bumpy conditions from the start, Sunday brought conditions that appeared to have been ordered by the Key West chamber of commerce. Fans lined the seawall as they looked forward to a good day of racing.

Wild From The Start The first start on Sunday didn’t disappoint. After being down 700 rpm, the 32-foot Phantom, 151 Express , with throttleman Nick Imprescia and his best friend/driver Ian Morgan finished a distant second to the father-son team of Steve and Stephen Kildahl in the 29-foot Extreme, Boatfloater.com .

When the Cigarette Hawk officials’ boat that was pacing its 90th race flew the green flag, 151 Express and Boatfloater.com took off, leaving behind the 30-foot Phantom, Sheriff Lobo , which calls Trinidad home.

After completing turn one, the two boats raced deck to deck coming into Key West harbor with both drivers saying after that they weren’t giving an inch. They headed back out to turn one carrying lots of speed into the turn. Boatfloater.com carried a little more speed, took a bad hop and hooked before rolling, according to Stephen Kildahl. He and his dad were OK and the boat was righted before it was towed in.

sailboat race key west

The Kildahls emerged from the mishap unscathed.

“They had a lead and we let them take the corner they wanted,” Imprescia said.

After the incident, he and Morgan made sure they finished their required 10 laps to claim their first world championship.

“We just put it on cruise control,” Imprescia added. “We made sure we made each lap cleaner and cleaner.”

Imprescia is the son of legendary throttleman, Joey Imprescia, who won plenty of his own championships. Nick knew it would be emotional when saw his dad waiting at the cranes with a big smile on his face.

“I saw my dad and I just balled my eyes out,” he said. “That’s a moment I’ll keep with myself forever.”

sailboat race key west

Legacy offshore racer Nick Imprescia and his cockpit-mate Ian Morgan savored their Mod V-class victory.

In the Stock V race, six single-engine boats powered by a Mercury Racing 525EFI engine competed for the title and the leaders were the 30-foot Phantom, Shocker , throttled by Patrick Romeo and driven by owner Chris Colson. Second was another 30-foot Phantom, Laticrete , with owner/driver Chris Uzzolina and throttleman Rob Hartmann. They were followed closely by Friday’s winner, another 30-foot Phantom, Fastboys , with owner Ken Bolinger and Forrest Riddle and a sister hull, North Myrtle Beach RV , in fourth.

Shocker and Laticrete traded the lead a few times and eventually the latter maintained the advantage. The Shocker team was pushing hard as the laps wore down and took a flyer while trying to overtake the 30-foot Phantom, Octane . When Shocker came down and spun, the two boats collided. The Octane boat sustained significant damage, but the canopy did its job. The crew of throttleman Kevin Campbell and driver Brian Lamonica were banged up, but they ended up being OK. Phantom Boats owner Will Smith said the damage to the boat was enough that it would need to be replaced.

Shocker got back under power and finished the race, but Colson said he and Romeo may have overdone it.

“We were running out of time to catch Laticrete and we took the turn hotter than we should have,” Colson said.

sailboat race key west

Though no one was injured, the incident between Shocker and Octane took both boats out of the Stock V contest.

Shocker also sustained noticeable damage and the team still plans to race at the Offshore Powerboat Association ’s championship event in Englewood, Fla., next weekend.

After winning on Friday and finished second on Sunday, Fastboys took the championship in Stock V ahead of Laticrete and Shocker .

Bracket Class Breakdown With the UIM world titles for all V-bottom classes on the line next weekend at the Offshore Powerboat Boat Association World and National championships in Englewood Beach, Fla., the Bracket-class turnout in Key West was light. But that didn’t stop the teams from going all out to take home a Race World Offshore title.

In Bracket 300-class action, after the 42-foot Fountain, Harpoon Harry’s , used its advantage to its size on Friday, Billy Shipley and Chad Woody blasted to the lead in their 35-foot Fountain, Team Woody , on Sunday. The two boats battled for supremacy, and the bigger Fountain spun, giving the lead, the win on Sunday and the RWO world championship to Team Woody . Harpoon Harry’s accumulated enough points for second while the 42-foot Cigarette, Cigarette Justice League, took third.

sailboat race key west

The battle between Team Woody and Harpoon Harry’s saw Bill Shipley and Chad Woody take the win.

In Bracket 400, Jim Simmons, who also owns the Octane boat, and Jason Zolecki once again drove their 34-foot Phantom, Simmons Racing, to a world championship. Second in the class went to the 38-foot Phantom, OC Racing , that made its debut in Key West, while the Texas-based 39-foot Velocity, GNS Motorsports, took third.

After grabbing the checkered flag at the finish line on Friday, Stancombe and driver J.J. Turk, the reigning world champions in Bracket 500, in the 30-foot Phantom, Golfin’ Gator Team Woody , defended their title on Sunday. Second went to Rob and Vinny Winoski in their 30-foot Phantom, Bronx Phantom . Despite breaking at the finish line on Sunday, Elijah Kingery and Craig Belfatto in the 29-foot Warlock, Bulletproof/Goodcars.com , held on for third place in the championship.

sailboat race key west

Simmons Racing took top honors in the Bracket 400 ranks.

In Bracket 600, the Key West based 25-foot Baja, Power House Racing , with Nelson Sawyer and Damon Marotta, Jr., took the hometown win by grabbing checkered flags in both races. Second went to the 26-foot Corsa, Gerard Marine/XINSURANCE , and the smallest boat in the fleet, the 21-foot Superboat, Jackhammer , placed third. The 22-foot Velocity, Steele , ran unopposed in Bracket 700.

sailboat race key west

Enjoy more action from the 2022 Race World Offshore APBA/UIM world championships in the slideshow above.

Editor’s note: The 2022 offshore racing season will wrap up next weekend in Englewood Beach, Fla., with the Offshore Powerboat Association World and National Championships. Look for coverage of the two-race event from contributing editor Eric Colby on speedothewater.com.

Related stories Key West Worlds Update: Marc Granet And Bobby Adams Running Justice League Super Cat Experience Rules In First Race Of 2022 Key West Worlds Media Blitz Lights Up Greene Street Monster Energy Backing Class 1 M CON Racing Team 2022 Key West Poker Run And Offshore World Championships Coverage

sailboat race key west

Lake of the Ozarks OPA Race Changes Name And Venue

Apba offshore national championship series picture bright fo....

sailboat race key west

Storm Trysail Club

KEY WEST RACE WEEK

sailboat race key west

Key West Race Week On Hold Indefinitely

It has been over three years since the 30th Key West Race Week, and while it was a difficult decision to stop organize the annual event after the 2017 five-day regatta, our primary sponsors remain very supportive and the Storm Trysail Club is committed to exploring alternative formats for the future that address changing conditions in our sport. 

Key West Race Week News

September 5, 2018

sailboat race key west

Key West Race Week 2019 and Beyond

The future of Key West Race Week continues to remain on hold as The Storm Trysail Club look for avenues to attract new classes, handle logistics, and work with partners.

May 26, 2017

sailboat race key west

Key West Race Week 2018

Race Week will not occur in 2018 as The Storm Trysail Club works to find new ways to attract more sailors.

April 12, 2017

sailboat race key west

Key West on a Budget

From Dave Reed, editor of Sailing World. Photo: Paul Todd Outside Images

January 20, 2017

sailboat race key west

2017 Quantum Key West Race Week Closes With A Bang

Quantum Racing named Boat of the Week; Hot Mess earns Corinthian honors KEY WEST, Fla. – By winning the final race of the highly competitive 52 Super Series and with it […]

sailboat race key west

Quantum Key West Race Week Closes with a Bang

Quantum Racing named Boat of the Week; Hot Mess earns Corinthian honors

January 19, 2017

sailboat race key west

Down to the Wire in 4 classes

Marine Partner's Day saw racing tighten to a final race showdown in 3 classes, including the 52 SuperSeries, where Quantum Racing is poised to repeat their win here last year - photo Quantum Key West Race Week/PhotoBoat.com

January 18, 2017

sailboat race key west

Three Races Completed in Fading Winds

Mount Gay Rum Day won by first-time entrant J.D. Hill’s Second Star

January 17, 2017

sailboat race key west

Tollicks Through Day 2

Lewmar Day provided brilliant conditions once again in Key West - photo Andy Newman/Florida Keys New Bureau

January 16, 2017

sailboat race key west

Key West Race Week Opens with Epic Conditions

City of Key West Boat of the Day: double-bullet winner Platoon racing in the 52 SuperSeries - photo Quantum Key West Race Week/PhotoBoat.com

January 15, 2017

sailboat race key west

Uniquely Race Week

As one of sailing’s most remote regatta venues, the appeal of Quantum Key West Race Week is not just what racers discover on the land and on the water. It’s the complete regatta experience, one found nowhere else. Photo credit: Sharon Green/Ultimate Sailing

January 14, 2017

sailboat race key west

Champions in the Conch

J/70 World Champion Joel Ronning reveals some tuning secrets and tips on how to prepare for Quantum Key West Race Week.

January 13, 2017

sailboat race key west

How to make the Best of Race Week

Olympian, world champion and top notch coach Jonathan McKee reviews some handy tips for success at Quantum Key West Race Week. Sharon Green photo

December 25, 2016

sailboat race key west

Waterfront Brewery to Host 30th Anniversary Quantum Key West Race Week

LARCHMONT, NY - July 7, 2016– The 30th anniversary Quantum Key West Race Week has reached an agreement with the Waterfront Brewery to host all shoreside activities for the celebratory […]

October 27, 2016

sailboat race key west

Advance Preparations Underway for Quantum Key West Race Week

Entries lining up as sponsorship program reaches fulfilment

September 1, 2016

sailboat race key west

GILL North America New Platinum Sponsor for Quantum Key West Race Week 2017

Already 44 entries one month prior to first entry deadline - TP 52's, one-designs and Performance Cruisers to return KEY WEST, Fla. – Quantum Key West Race Week has reached […]

May 10, 2016

Storm Trysail Club Announces Dates For Quantum Key West Race Week 2017

Larchmont, New York, - May 10, 2016 – The Storm Trysail Club is pleased to announce dates for the next edition of Quantum Key West Race Week: January 15-20, 2017. […]

January 22, 2016

sailboat race key west

A Wet and Wild Wrap To Quantum Key West Race Week 2016

Hap Fauth's Belle Mente (on a nicer day) showing her winning form to be named Quantum Boat of the Week Photo Max Ranchi, Quantum Key West

January 21, 2016

sailboat race key west

One more Day to Victory

Joe Mele's Swan 44 Triple Lindy takes off in the Performance Cruising class, a new feature in this year's event Photo Max Ranchi, Quantum Key West

January 20, 2016

sailboat race key west

Perfect Winds, Perfect Racing

The 54 entered J/70's had four races today in perfect conditions Photo Max Ranchi, Quantum Key West

January 19, 2016

sailboat race key west

Too Much of a Good Thing… No Racing Today

The Norway-based Party Girl team reacts to the strong conditions...but in Oslo it is 10°F and snowing - photo Sara Proctor, Quantum Key West

sailboat race key west

Volunteer of the Day – Diane Quart

Diane Quart was honored as Volunteer of the Day by The Storm Trysail Club.

January 18, 2016

sailboat race key west

A Perfect Start to the Quantum Key West Race Week 2016

Alex Schaerer's Coal Ila R leads the Maxi72's - photo Max Ranchi/Quantum Key West

January 7, 2016

sailboat race key west

Race Week entry Steve Benjamin wins 2015 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year

Storm Trysail Club member Steve Benjamin has been named the 2015 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year in recognition of a year that featured 10 wins, including the Etchells North American […]

January 6, 2016

sailboat race key west

The Storm Trysail Club announces that Spectators can view the Races from a 105′ Schooner

The Schooner America 2.0 is proudly the "Official Viewing Vessel" to spectate the 2016 Quantum Key West Race Week. Join them for this amazing maritime event and view the races […]

January 5, 2016

Quantum Key West Race Week 2016 joins Clean Regattas Program

The Storm Trysail Club is proud to announce that Quantum Key West Race Week 2016 is doing its part to restore ocean health by participating in Sailors for the Sea’s […]

January 4, 2016

Special App Now Available for Quantum Key West Race Week – Will provide single platform for results, race reports and other news

BIg news for Quantum Sails Key West Race Week fans!! The Storm Trysail Club announces a special mobile application that will provide sailboat racing enthusiasts with all the most up-to-date […]

October 26, 2015

sailboat race key west

Winners In Annapolis On The The Road To Key Wes

Annapolis, MD -- The road to Quantum Key West Race Week has started with last weekend's 3-day Annapolis Fall Regatta, organized by the Chesapeake Station of the Storm Trysail Club […]

June 1, 2015

sailboat race key west

Storm Trysail Club Takes Over Ownership of Key West Race Week

Quantum Sail Design Group remains onboard as title sponsor of popular regatta LARCHMONT, NY – Quantum Key West Race Week will continue thanks to the organizational expertise of a new […]

April 21, 2015

March 2, 2015

Premiere Racing Stepping Aside after their 21st Key West Race Week

29th edition in 2016 likely - talks ongoing with a potential successor

January 23, 2015

Fantastic Finish at Key West Race Week

Most of the marquee classes at Quantum Key West Race Week 2015 came down to the last day of the regatta, which delivered the toughest conditions of the week. Howling winds and rough seas challenging the competitors on Friday, forcing the top contenders to raise their game in order to claim overall victory.

January 22, 2015

“Gorgeous, Exceptional, Classic” A Great Day at Quantum Key West Race Week 2015

It probably won't be a late night on Duval Street for the sailors competing on Division 2 and 3 at Quantum Key West Race Week 2015. After doing three races in strong winds on Thursday, there are no doubt a lot of sore muscles, aching bones and tired bodies.

January 21, 2015

Breeze and Sunshine at Quantum Key West Race Week

Based off early morning forecasts, it appeared a lay day might be in the cards for competitors at Quantum Key West Race Week 2015. Some sailors might have already been making plays to play tennis or go fishing during an hour-long dockside delay.

January 20, 2015

A Challenging Day at Quantum Key West Race Week 2015

During 28 years of running a regatta off Key West, Premiere Racing has a remarkable record of getting in a complete series. Because of the consistent conditions off the Conch Republic, there have been very few lost race days.

January 19, 2015

Off to a Great Start at Quantum Key West Race Week 2015

There is no better sight than a steady stream of racing boats either sailing or motoring out of the Historic Seaport harbor around 10 a.m. on Monday. That's a sure sign that the annual race week held off Key West is starting on time and with enough wind to get the regatta underway.

January 18, 2015

Ready to Race at Quantum Key West Race Week 2015!

Key West has been a flurry of activity for the last four days as sailors swarmed into town for the annual race week.

January 14, 2015

PHRF Innovations and Enthusiastic Owners Ready for Quantum Key West Race Week 2015

Ken Johnson began his 2015 sailing year by skating around Lake Kegonsa in sub-zero temperatures. Johnson's Nite iceboat can do 60 miles per hour in the right conditions so it was fun, but boy was it cold! Johnson was more than happy to escape the arctic chill of Wisconsin for the sunny skies and warm temperatures of Key West, where he will compete in the 28th annual race week for the first time since 2009. Johnson completed the long drive to the southernmost tip of the United States on Monday night and by the next morning was aboard his C&C 121 Grateful Red, which was berthed at Historic Seaport. "Last week I was sailing on ice. Right now, I'm worried about the ice melting in my rum drink," Johnson said as he leisurely began preparing his boat for Quantum Key West 2015.

December 12, 2014

Speed, Power and Excitement heading to Quantum Key West Race Week — 28th Edition begins January 18

High-speed foiling catamarans, powerful 72-foot Maxi yachts, innovative High Performance Racing designs and large classes of exciting sport boats are heading to the Florida Keys. Quantum Key West Race Week 2015 will once again showcase the full spectrum of sailboat racing amid the beautiful setting of aqua-colored waters and warm sunshine. Many of the world's best sailors will come to the Conch Republic for the 28th edition of Key West Race Week, being held Jan. 18-23. For the fourth consecutive year, Quantum Sail Design Group will serve as title sponsor of the iconic event, which is organized by Premiere Racing.

January 24, 2014

Final Day Drama and Very Happy Sailors at Quantum Key West 2014

Key West, Florida Keys — There was plenty of final day drama at Quantum Key West 2014 as the winners of several classes were determined during the last race. And conditions could not have been better for those winner-take-all scenarios with the southernmost point of the United States delivering the strongest winds of the regatta. North-northeasterly breezes in the 18-24 knot range made for some spectacular racing on all three courses and enabled all 10 classes to complete 10 races for the five-day event.

January 23, 2014

Another Action Packed Week of Racing at Quantum Key West 2014

Key West, Florida Keys — It's been said the only certain things in life are death and taxes. Oh, and a full week's worth of racing in Key West. Time has proven the latter is almost as guaranteed as the two more ominous events, and a heck of a lot more fun!

January 22, 2014

Fantastic Key West Sailing Conditions on Mount Gay Rum Day

Broad smiles and weary bones usually means a successful day on the water for sailboat racers. There was plenty of both on the docks around the Conch Republic on Wednesday after organizers of Quantum Key West 2014 completed three races in strong winds.

January 21, 2014

Rain Can’t Stop the Racing at Quantum Key West 2014

Rain squalls and wind shifts couldn't put a damper on the competition during Day 2 at Quantum Key West 2014. Multiple storm bands that were quite severe at times challenged the race committees and forced delays. Ultimately, perseverance and patience paid off as Division 1 completed a race while Divisions 2 and 3 got in two each.

January 20, 2014

Quantum Key West 2014 Begins Under Sunny Skies and Light Breezes

A warm and sunny Monday morning greeted the sailors at Quantum Key West 2014. The light and shifty winds meant a 90 minute delay and time for more coffee and conversation. The voice of Race Officer Dick Neville announcing a planned start was a welcome relief as it meant there would be competition on opening day.

January 19, 2014

Key West Race Week’s Sponsors – An All Star Line Up

The 27th edition of "Key West Race Week" is ready to begin and there’s no better way to start than by acknowledging and thanking the sponsors. Key West sponsors have always been one of race week’s critical success factors. Premiere Racing would like to take this opportunity to highlight their loyalty and support.

Ready to Race at Quantum Key West 2014

Some of the world’s finest professional sailors will be crewing for captains of industry in the 52 (IRC 2) class, which is one of the headliners at Quantum Key West 2014.

January 15, 2014

Key West Race Week — Delivering Excellence for 27 Years

Quantum Key West 2014 is gearing up for its trademark full week of racing on the aqua-colored waters off the coast of the Conch Republic. From the professional-laden 52 Class to top tier club-oriented programs in the PHRF classes, this midwinter classic offers something for everyone.

December 30, 2013

Countdown to Key West — Quantum Key West 2014 Begins January 19

Racing teams from across the country and around the world are getting ready to compete in the waters off America's southernmost city during the 27th annual Key West Race Week, scheduled Sunday through Friday, Jan. 19-24.

November 30, 2013

Key West Fleet Taking Shape — Sea Stories in the Making

Strong programs from across the U.S. and around the world have already submitted their entries to Quantum Key West 2014. The first entry deadline is a month away and the scratch sheet grows daily as people make their January plans for Key West and the Florida Keys.

January 28, 2013

In Memoriam

Premiere Racing lost three long-time, valuable members of its race committee team over the course of 2012. Peter Craig, Jeanne Kleene and everyone else associated with the annual race week […]

January 26, 2013

J/80: A long time presence, looking ahead to 2014

This is an abnormal year for the J/80 class, typically one of the largest in Key West. Due to the vagaries of the class schedule and some competition from the […]

January 25, 2013

Epic Week of Racing at Quantum Key West 2013

--- Five Days of Strong Winds Thrill Sailors Key West, Fla -- It wasn’t hard to figure out who the winners were upon conclusion of Quantum Key West 2013. Andrea […]

January 24, 2013

Spectacular Conditions Shine at Quantum Key West 2013

--- World Class Competition Continues on Day Four Key West, Fla -- With four days of racing complete, it is not difficult to identify the stars of Quantum Key West […]

January 23, 2013

“Moving Day” at Quantum Key West 2013

Key West, Fla -- Wednesday has always been critical at this annual race week off the Florida Keys. By the time Wednesday is complete, the racing is usually more than […]

January 22, 2013

J/70s Make Their Key West Debut

By Bill Wagner Tate Russack was looking for a small sailboat he could trailer to major regattas around the country. The Annapolis resident liked everything about the new J/70 sloop […]

Strong Winds Challenge Crews at Quantum Key West 2013

There were a lot of weary bones, aching muscles and exhausted bodies over at The Galleon Dock and Truman Annex on Tuesday afternoon. That’s because the sailors on Division 2 […]

January 21, 2013

Wind Kicks Up on Opening Day at Quantum Key West 2013

In sailboat racing, it’s always nice when the wind conditions prove better than predicted. Early forecasts for the opening day of Quantum Key West 2013 were questionable, to the point […]

January 20, 2013

Ready to do Battle at Quantum Key West 2013

--- More than a Thousand Sailors Prepared for 26th Anniversary Regatta Key West, Fla - All the docks around the Conch Republic were alive with activity and anticipation on Sunday […]

January 15, 2013

World Class Talent Heading to Key West Race Week — New Designs and Familiar Names on the Scratch Sheet

Quantum Key West 2013 has many intriguing plotlines and some of the classes that will be most closely watched are the popular, new J/70, professional-laden IRC/TP 52 and rapidly developing HPR.

December 20, 2012

Return of Swan 42, resurgence of Melges 24 bolster Quantum Key West

Key West, Fla - John Hele has wanted to compete in the popular annual race week off Key West ever since he got into sailboat racing. The New York Yacht […]

November 13, 2012

Top Tier National and International Programs Heading to Key West

Excitement is building for Quantum Key West 2013 as the scratch sheet continues to grow. With still a month and a half before the first entry deadline, top competitors from more than 12 countries and 20 states have submitted their official entries.

January 20, 2012

Wrapping Up a Fabulous Week at Quantum Key West 2012

It was a frantic finish at Quantum Key West 2012 as several boats snatched victory with strong performances on the fifth and final day. Barking Mad pulled off one of […]

January 18, 2012

Another Action Packed Day at Quantum Key West 2012

Key West, Fla — With eight races in the books and two more still to be contested, the outcome of several marquee classes at Quantum Key West 2012 remains in […]

January 17, 2012

Three Race Day at Quantum Key West 2012 — Leads Lost and Gained under Steady Wind

Key West. Fla — With three races conducted in strong winds, there was opportunity for boats to make a significant move in the standings on the second day of Quantum […]

January 16, 2012

Sunny Skies and Strong Breezes for Quantum Key West 2012

Key West, Fla — Quantum Key West 2012 got off to a roaring start as strong breeze and sunny skies greeted the fleet of 112 boats in 12 classes. Northeast […]

January 15, 2012

Race Ready at Quantum Key West 2012 — Big Breeze and Blue Skies for the 25th Anniversary

Key West, Fla — There’s been a flurry of activity at the various marinas around the Conch Republic as boats and crews prepare for Quantum Key West 2012. Tourists disembarking […]

January 14, 2012

Quantum Key West 2012 Sponsors — Race Week Supporters Help Celebrate 25th Anniversary

Key West, Fla — Thanks to an all-star sponsor line-up, the 25th edition of “Key West Race Week” is ready to begin. Key West sponsors have always been one of […]

January 11, 2012

Grand Prix Classes Ready to Roll at Quantum Key West 2012 — Five Days of Racing Begins Monday

High profile fleets, intense competition and superb sailing conditions have made Key West a showcase event for many one design classes. The popular Farr 40 class, which debuted in 1996, […]

December 20, 2011

Quantum Key West 2012 to Deliver Top Tier Competition

Key West, Fla — Top-of-the-line IRC 52 racing is alive and well and headed for Quantum Key West 2012. A strong fleet of eight 52-footers will compete in the 25th […]

ABOUT THE EVENT

International sailing regatta celebrated 30 years in 2017

The Annual Event held in January has seen 5,662 entries since 1988.

Key West Race Week has a sterling reputation as a sailors’ regatta, offering some of the most consistent racing conditions of any venue in the world. Our goal each year is to continue to improve on a successful formula, listen to the sailors and sponsors, and give them what they want.

sailboat race key west

Thanks to our past Sponsors

sailboat race key west

Key West Boat Races.

Key West Boat Races: 2022 World Offshore Championships

sailboat race key west

Table of Contents

Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Key West Offshore World Championship might be best described as the Indy 500 of powerboat racing, and it truly is a festival of speed on the water. Slated for Sunday through Sunday, Nov. 6-13, the 41st annual event in Key West, Florida , features three days of racing action pitting the top U.S. and international powerboat teams competing for a world championship title in multiple classes.

Here’s what to expect at the 2022 Key West Boat Races:

  • When: November 6-13, 2022
  • Where: Key West, Florida; Truman Waterfront, Duval Street, Mallory Square
  • What: Four races scheduled per day (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), featuring boats from multiple classes.
  • Enhance your Race Week Experience with a boat rental: Explore Boats in Key West

Between race days fans can view the boats and teams up close in the Truman Waterfront Race Village and view the teams testing on the water. Nightly social events for race teams and fans include multiple concerts, a traditional Duval Street party with race boats on display, and a Sunday night awards ceremony.

Explore All Available Boat Rentals in Key West, FL

Key West Boat Races.

Event Schedule

Kickoff parade.

The week kicks off with the ‘World’s Fastest Boat Parade’ of race boats down the island’s famed Duval Street beginning at 4pm Sunday, Nov. 6.

Race Schedule

The excitement builds throughout the week with racing action scheduled for: Wednesday, Nov. 9; Friday, Nov. 11; and Sunday, Nov. 13 . Four races are scheduled per day featuring boats from multiple classes.

  • Chief among them are the hotly contested Super Cat and Class 1, whose boats can reach up to 140 and 160 mph, respectively, on a 4.4-mile-per-lap course that features both rough and calm water conditions.
  • Teams accumulate points in each race toward the championship, so the drama builds throughout the week.

Duval & Greene Powerboat Street Party

Starting on Friday at 7 p.m ., the intersection of Duval Street and Greene Street will be blocked off to cars, and instead filled with powerboats hauled in and parked on their trailers right in the middle of the streets. Come up close and personal with these massive race boats, and snap a picture with one!

Boats and Boots Concert

The anticipated entertainment highlight is Saturday night’s Boats and Boots concert with country star Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry fame; musician/PGA golfer John Daly, and headliner Brian Kelley, who co-founded the renowned duo Florida Georgia Line .

Viewing Areas: Where to Watch the Races

The racing series provides an unparalleled experience for spectators. Boats can come within 50 yards of the Truman Waterfront grandstand area, providing fans with breathtaking displays of speed and power.

  • Fans can observe the action on race days from several areas on the Truman Waterfront including a VIP grandstand and hospitality tent with a water shuttle transportation service.
  • Other popular viewing areas include Key West’s Mallory Square and harborfront hotels.

Tickets and information on all-inclusive VIP spectator packages for the Truman Waterfront grandstand and hospitality tent are available at Key West Offshore World Championship .

  • General-admission tickets are $25 for a single day or $53 for a three-day pass.
  • Admission is free for kids 12 and under and for veterans and active military with a proper ID.

Own a Boat? Let your boat pay for itself. List, rent, earn — Only at Boatsetter.

Charles Plueddeman

Charles Plueddeman  is a self-employed writer and photographer based in Wisconsin. A staff editor and contributor to  Boating Magazine  since 1986, he is the author of its “Off My Dock” column. In the marine realm he specializes in engine technology and trailerable boats. His editorial work has appeared in many national publications, including  Popular Mechanics, Men’s Journal, Playboy, Popular Science, Cycle World,  and  Harley-Davidson Enthuisast .

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Key West Race World Offshore Boat Races Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Sunday, November 10, 2024

https://raceworldoffshore.com/key-west/

sailboat race key west

The Race World Offshore Key West Championships is an exciting annual event that brings the world’s top offshore boat racers to Key West. There are three days of racing and seven full days of events including fun parties and parades. The Key West World Championships isn’t just for racers. It’s also a place for fans to get up close with the action and see these amazing power boats first hand. At the annual Duval Street Party, boats are on display for the public to see.

Take the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers Beach. Visit website for additional information and a complete schedule of festival events.

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Schooner Jolly Rover

An Authentic Key West Sailing Experience!

Come sail Key West’s most photographed ship – the Jolly II Rover , a square-rigged topsail schooner! A Key West sailing adventure aboard the Schooner Jolly II Rover takes you back in time on a classic 80’ tall ship to an era of pirates, rum runners and privateers seeking freedom and solitude. Their spirit of independence lives on daily on the Jolly II Rover.

Roling Thunder Happy Hour from James Papagno on Vimeo .

The crew from Active Perspectives and Bombarda Rum chose the Rover to set the stage for their latest investment video. They were kind enough to create a short director’s cut for us to use. Cheers gents! (see the full video here )

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Sunset Sail

A top Key West attraction is the Jolly II Rovers famous “Red Sails in the Sunset” 2 hour sunset sail! Take in a memorable sail of Key West’s most famous sights while the sun works its magic turning the sky brilliant colors. With our distinctive red sails and being the only square rigged tall ship in Key West, the Jolly II Rover is the focal point as we sail past the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. Help raise the sails, fire the cannons, and take your turn at the wheel for an authentic tall ship sailing experience.

More Info Book online now!

sailboat race key west

Key West Day Sail

Our daily 2-hour afternoon sailing tour fits perfectly into your Key West sightseeing trip. Enjoy an exciting Key West sailing adventure on the glistening crystal blue waters, with the Rover’s signature red sails flying! Look for the abundant Florida Keys wildlife both in the air and sea. Find your inner pirate and join the crew while you hoist the sails, steer the ship and fire the cannons!

  • Private Charters

Searching for a truly unique Key West sailing experience that is all your own? Charter your own private Key West tall ship sailing adventure. Whether its a few hours to celebrate a special event or an all day adventure, tell us where you want to go and what you want to experience, then climb aboard! For memories of a lifetime, charter a sunset wedding or an overnight excursion. Boca Grand is only 12 miles outside of Key West and is in a world of it’s own. You can even charter the Jolly II Rover for a private party dock side or anchor overnight experience.

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Experiences

Key West Experiences

sailboat race key west

Key West Lighted Boat Parade

Join the Crew of the Jolly II Rover and parade through the Historic Seaport of Key West showing off the ships holiday décor! Enjoy a starry night, a festive atmosphere and thousands of twinkling lights on this entertaining evening cruise. Bring your own choice of food and beverages, bottled water snacks of crackers and cheeses included.

sailboat race key west

Key West Wreckers Race

The “day of wreckoning” reenacts times in Key West history when wreckers raced to a disabled ship, rescued the crew and laid claim to the cargo! Today, there is nothing to rescue except bruised egos from the last race. Join the Schooner Jolly II Rover for a day of rivalry, fun and radio insults on the high seas! Enjoy an exciting sailing adventure among a multitude of sailing vessels all competing for fun!

sailboat race key west

Key West Civil War Days

Join the crew of the Schooner Jolly II Rover for this very exciting and famous, annual Battle of the Schooners!! Re-enactors in period costume will be onboard as the Schooner Jolly II Rover defends its position in the harbor against opposing forces from both land and sea! This is a very popular and very exciting event. Seating will be limited to 16 passengers and ear protection will be provided to all passengers.

sailboat race key west

Currently operating year round out of the Historic Seaport of Key West, Florida, the Schooner Jolly II Rover is the only square rigged, topsail schooner contracted with the Florida National Boy Scouts of America High Adventure Sea Base Program. The Jolly II Rover provides boy scout troops with week long sailing, snorkeling and fishing adventures in the beautiful waters of the lower Florida Keys through the months of June, July and August.

sailboat race key west

Over the years, the Schooner Jolly Rover has been featured in countless magazines, newspapers and blogs for our iconic red sails and legendary sunset cruises. Read them here.

sailboat race key west

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Many locals as well as visitors are repeat sailors. And we love seeing familiar faces, so we offer $15 off your second sail and your third sail is FREE!

*Within 30 days.

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Sail Racing

Book Now Call to order 305-293-7245

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Besides being known for great food and music, Key West is also known for its perfect sailing conditions. And what better way to experience sailing than aboard the Schooner  America 2.0  for a race! 

Unlike most traditional schooners, Schooner  America 2.0  was built for both speed and comfort. We would love for you to experience our her grace and style, and our crew’s incredible service at one of our annual race events.

Our stunning, black-hulled, 105-foot sailing yacht is a tribute to the first Schooner  America,  the namesake and winner of the first America’s Cup in 1851. And true to her predecessor, Schooner  America 2.0  has won over 30 races in the past 8 years! 

So grab your tickets! A sailing race is something that you must experience while staying in Key West!

Stern of the schooner America 2.0 with the sails raised and the Captain Turned around waving while sailing for a Key West Wreckers Race

-->Wreckers Race aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

All hands on deck!  If you enjoy a good sailboat race, it is an absolute must for you to sail on board the Schooner America 2.0 for the Key West Schooner Wharf Bar Wrecker’s Cup Race! 

A little history…back in the days of old Key West, ships from afar often ran aground on Sand Key Reef. When all the scallywags in Key West heard there was booty to be had, they jumped in their boats and raced to the reef. The first one there could claim the ship’s cargo! Arrggh!

Today, we celebrate this Key West tradition annually with a set of monthly races from January to April. It all starts with the firing of the cannon at 1:00 PM.  Enjoy the excitement aboard Schooner  America 2.0  as we race to defend our title of fastest schooner in Key West!

One round of beer, wine, champagne, and a boxed lunch are complimentary with your ticket purchase. Purchase a Beverage Package during the booking process, or additional drinks for credit card purchase while on board.  (Call us directly to save 6% online processing fee)

A large schooner sailing in Key West with the sun peaking through the sails for a Key West Sunset Sail

-->Key West Sunset Sail on Schooner America 2.0 -->

Enjoy the best sunset sail in Key West on the Schooner America 2.0!  Take in the vibrant colors of Key West’s famous sunset as you sip complimentary champagne.  On this Key West Sunset Cruise, you will magically glide through the crystal clear surrounding waters whilst being taken care of by our professional and friendly crew.

This two-hour Key West sunset cruise features complimentary champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water and passed hors d’oeurves- veggie crudite, cheese and crackers, and shrimp cocktail. There is a cocktail bar on board for purchase. Sit back and relax while Schooner America 2.0 plies effortlessly through the turquoise green Key West sailing waters and off towards the horizon for the quintessential Key West Sunset experience!  (Call us directly to save 6% online processing fee)

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See our calendar of events, private yacht charters.

Private Yacht Charters

Sail out into the emerald green waters of Key West and impress your guests. Step aboard the legendary Schooner America 2.0 for a private charter. This yacht is perfect for Corporate outings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Team Building and more. Read more »

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Sail out into NY Harbor and impress your guests. Step aboard one of our classic vessels for a private charter. These yachts are perfect for Corporate outings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Team Building and more. Read more »

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sailboat race key west

Regional Sailboat Races in the USA

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Destinations , Sailing Races

Let’s set sail into the thrilling world of regional sailboat races! These competitions offer a unique and exciting twist on the traditional sailing experience.

Regional races center around sailboats vying for supremacy in specific corners of the world, be it a coastal paradise or a cluster of enchanting islands. These events serve as a rallying point for local racers, as sailors hailing from nearby towns and yacht clubs come together to showcase their skills. 

What’s particularly enticing about regional races is their inclusivity. Whether you’re piloting a nimble dinghy or commanding a majestic yacht, these races often welcome boats of all types and sailors of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned sea veteran or a novice setting sail for the first time, there’s a class tailored to your needs at most of these local sailing races.

It’s not all about the competition! Regional races transform into grand sailing events, where communities burst to life for multiple days of festivities while showcasing their local flavor. Sailors gather, forge new friendships, and revel in their shared passion for this incredible sport.

Moreover, these races often offer affordable entry fees, ensuring accessibility to aspiring racers of all backgrounds. Some races may be shorter and less arduous than epic ocean crossings, making them ideal for sailors looking to refine their skills. Regional sailboat races are all about honoring the sport of sailing and the remarkable community it nurtures.

sailboat race key west

  • Website: Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race
  • Description: The Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race is an offshore yacht race that takes participants from Marblehead, Massachusetts, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s a challenging long-distance race across the North Atlantic.
  • Website: Figawi Race Weekend
  • Description: Figawi Race Weekend is a popular sailing event that includes both a race and a weekend of festivities. It starts in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and ends on Nantucket Island.
  • Website: Block Island Race Week
  • Description: Block Island Race Week is a biennial event that takes place on Block Island, Rhode Island. It features a series of races over the course of a week and is known for its lively social scene.
  • Website: Vineyard Race
  • Description: The Vineyard Race is an offshore race that starts and finishes in Stamford, Connecticut, with a course that takes sailors around Martha’s Vineyard. It’s known for its scenic course and challenging conditions.
  • Website: Newport to Bermuda Race
  • Description: The Newport to Bermuda Race is a classic offshore race that starts in Newport, Rhode Island, and finishes in Bermuda. It’s one of the most prestigious ocean races on the East Coast.
  • Website: Ida Lewis Distance Race
  • Description: The Ida Lewis Distance Race is a coastal race that starts and finishes in Newport, Rhode Island. It offers a variety of courses, including offshore and overnight racing.
  • Website: Camden Classics Cup
  • Description: The Camden Classics Cup is a regatta held in Camden, Maine, that celebrates classic and vintage sailing yachts. It’s a showcase of timeless sailboat designs.
  • Website: Nantucket Race Week
  • Description: Nantucket Race Week is a week-long sailing event held on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. It includes a variety of racing classes and social activities, making it a family-friendly event.
  • Website: Boothbay Harbor Regatta
  • Description: The Boothbay Harbor Regatta is an annual regatta held in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It features a mix of sailboat racing, social events, and onshore activities.
  • Website: Annapolis to Newport Race
  • Description: The Annapolis to Newport Race is a classic offshore race that starts in Annapolis, Maryland, and finishes in Newport, Rhode Island. This classic race takes sailors between two of the USA’s sailing epicenters.
  • Website: Charleston Race Week
  • Description: Charleston Race Week is a premier sailing event held in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s one of the largest regattas in the United States, featuring a wide range of sailboat classes and competitive racing.
  • Website: Around Long Island Regatta
  • Description: The Around Long Island Regatta is an annual offshore race that circumnavigates Long Island, New York. It’s a challenging race known for its variety of conditions and scenic views along the course.
  • Website: Around Martha’s Vineyard Race
  • Description: The Around Martha’s Vineyard Race is a sailing race that circumnavigates Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. 
  • Website: Conanicut Yacht Club
  • Description: The Around Jamestown Island Race is organized by the Conanicut Yacht Club and takes place in the waters around Jamestown Island, near Newport, Rhode Island. It’s a local race with stunning views of the Newport area.
  • Website: Atlantic Cup
  • Description: The Atlantic Cup is a premier Class 40 offshore racing series held along the East Coast of the United States. It features multiple legs and attracts international competitors. The race promotes sustainability and ocean health.

sailboat race key west

  • Website: Rolex Big Boat Series
  • Description: The Rolex Big Boat Series is a prestigious sailing event held in San Francisco, California. It’s known for attracting top sailors and a wide range of sailboat classes, making it a highlight of the West Coast racing calendar.
  • Website: Pacific Cup
  • Description: The Pacific Cup is a biennial offshore yacht race that takes participants from San Francisco, California to Kaneohe, Hawaii. It’s a challenging race known for its long-distance and unpredictable conditions.
  • Website: Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race
  • Description: This is one of the largest international yacht races, starting from Newport Beach, California, and finishing in Ensenada, Mexico. It features a wide range of sailboat classes and attracts sailors from around the world.
  • Website: Baja Ha-Ha
  • Description: The Baja Ha-Ha is an annual cruisers’ rally that starts in San Diego, California, and ends in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. While not a traditional race, it’s a popular event for sailors looking to cruise along the Baja California Peninsula.
  • Website: Swiftsure International Yacht Race
  • Description: The Swiftsure International Yacht Race is held in the waters off Victoria, British Columbia. It offers a variety of race courses, attracting both local and international sailors for a challenging competition.
  • Website: Round the County Race
  • Description: The Round the County Race is a sailing race that takes place in the beautiful San Juan Islands of Washington State. It offers a picturesque and challenging course for sailors.
  • Website: Santa Barbara to King Harbor Race
  • Description: This race starts in Santa Barbara, California, and finishes in Redondo Beach, California. It’s a popular offshore race along the Southern California coastline.
  • Website: Southern Straits Yacht Race
  • Description: The Southern Straits Yacht Race is a challenging overnight race that begins and ends in Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s known for its strategic and tactical sailing.
  • Website: Long Beach Race Week
  • Description: Long Beach Race Week is a multi-day regatta held in Long Beach, California. It features a variety of racing classes and attracts sailors of all levels.

sailboat race key west

Gulf of Mexico

  • Website: Harvest Moon Regatta
  • Description: The Harvest Moon Regatta is a popular offshore sailing race that takes participants from Galveston, Texas, to Port Aransas, Texas. It typically takes place in October and is known for its festive atmosphere.
  • Website: New Orleans Yacht Club
  • Description: The Race to the Coast is a sailing race that starts in New Orleans, Louisiana, and finishes in Gulfport, Mississippi. It’s organized by the New Orleans Yacht Club.
  • Website: GBCA Performance Cup Series
  • Description: The GBCA Performance Cup Series is a series of sailboat races organized by the Galveston Bay Cruising Association (GBCA) in Galveston, Texas. It includes various races and regattas throughout the year.
  • Website: St. Petersburg Yacht Club
  • Description: The St. Petersburg to Havana Race is an offshore race that starts in St. Petersburg, Florida, and finishes in Havana, Cuba. It’s organized by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.
  • Website: Clearwater Yacht Club
  • Description: The Clearwater to Key Largo Race is an offshore sailing race that starts in Clearwater, Florida, and finishes in Key Largo, Florida. It’s organized by the Clearwater Yacht Club.

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sailboat race key west

The most boats ever will compete in the 100th Bayview Yacht Club race to Mackinac Island

B illed on its website as the “world’s longest continuously run long-distance freshwater yacht race,” the 100th Bayview Mackinac Race is set to start Saturday.

A record-setting 334 boats have registered for the 100th year of the race, shattering the record of 316 in 1985 and a huge contrast compared with the 200 boats that raced last year, said David Stoyka, spokesman for the Bayview Yacht Club, which puts on the race.

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Bayview Yacht Club says boats start leaving the Black River in Port Huron around 8 a.m. on race day and will continue leaving until around noon. From the Black River, they will proceed up the St. Clair River, under the Blue Water Bridge, into Lake Huron.

The first scheduled start time in Lake Huron is 11:30 a.m., with starts every 10 minutes until approximately 1:30 p.m. The starts may be delayed due to weather conditions.

This year, for the 100th running, the race will follow the original 1925 route and span 204 nautical miles. From the starting point, the boats will head north along the Michigan shoreline, passing south of Bois Blanc Island, sailing west to east at the finish line between Round Island and Mackinac Island, organizers said.

The range of boats are expected to finish in between 30 and 60 hours.

The sailors

Teams at all skill levels have entered the race, which draws competitors from around the world.  The highly skilled racers know they will cross the bow of competitors within inches. Still, there's always risk of a crash with the slightest miscalculation.

"Everybody recognizes this is super intense," said champion sailor  Tim Prophit , 65, of St. Clair Shores, past commodore of Bayview Yacht Club and owner of Fast Tango, a North American 40 sailboat.

The teams are vying for trophies and flags to show their accomplishments.

The J.L. Hudson Trophy is awarded to the boat with the best corrected time in Division I, and the Canadian Club Classic Trophy is awarded to the boat with the best corrected time in Division II.

How can spectators follow the race?

Spectators can go to bycmack.com during the race and click on “RaceTracking” link to watch real-time GPS positioning of all the race boats, or, on your mobile device, download the free app YB Races and select the current race.

Boats will start arriving at Mackinac Island on Sunday afternoon and continue until Monday evening, all dependent upon the wind.

Finishes can be seen from Windermere Point on Mackinac Island at the south end of Main Street.

Sailors who have completed 25 Bayview Mackinac races are called “Old Goats,” according to the club, while those who have completed 50 are called “Grand Rams.” 

"Double Goats" are sailors who have completed 25 Bayview Mackinac races and 25 Chicago Yacht Club race to Mackinac races. This year’s Chicago to Mackinac race encountered strong winds in Lake Michigan , snapping some boats’ masts and tossing one sailor overboard. No one was hurt.

Volunteers who have served for 15 years on the Race Committee are honored with the title “Old Forts,” as designated by the Race Committee.

This story includes material from a staff report by former Free Press reporter Phoebe Wall Howard and from the Bayview Yacht Club.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: The most boats ever will compete in the 100th Bayview Yacht Club race to Mackinac Island

Sailboats move along the Detroit River during a weekly race hosted by Bayview Yacht Club on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

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Rowboat trip to Key West successful despite shark, manatee and bear threat

Well, Brian Brennan made it . Sure, he was attacked once by a shark, and another time his rowboat hit a manatee. There were some bears that kept him up one night and by the time he was done, his hands were calloused and he had lost 25 pounds. But Brennan had done it. The Navy veteran and retired chiropractor had rowed a small boat from Pensacola to Key West Florida on a months-long, nearly 900-mile journey to r aise money for disabled veterans .

Brennan took off from Flounder's on Pensacola Beach on March 31 − Easter morning − on his 18 foot long, 3 foot wide skiff, Daily Oar Deal. He had hoped to arrive in his destination of Key West on his 67th birthday on June 7 but missed by a month because of weather delays. He finally arrived in Key West on July 6, spending his birthday rowing alone without cell service in the Everglades.

The goal of the rowing mission was to raise money and awareness for the Disabled American Veterans organization. Brennan met veterans during his stops along the way, and did press with media during the trip , which raised $12,400 for the nonprofit organization. As a chiropractor and in civil service, Brennan helped treat disabled veterans in the past.

He spent months in preparation for the excursion, rowing regularly from Bayou Texar to Pensacola Beach, then back again. Brennan had to to prepare him for what was to come, which included wildlife adventures.

"I got attacked by a shark,'' he said back in Pensacola, the skiff − still stuffed with maps, dehydrated food packets, radar and other electrical equipment and other gear − now in the driveway. "It was a six-foot Mako shark, and he came by and tried to bite (the oar) and missed it and rolled over on his back and tried to bite the back of the boat, but he couldn't get his teeth around it." Soon, the shark was off somewhere in the waters off Horseshoe Beach in Florida's Big Bend area.

"I ran over a manatee,'' he said of one encounter off Marco Island near Naples. "He picked me and the boat up about a foot in the air and then shook me to the side."

Each day, weather permitting, Brennan would row about 12 to 22 miles a day, sleeping in a tent in some areas, his boat at times, and sometimes in hotels before heading out the next day.

One night near Carrabelle, east of Apalachicola, Brennan camped in an area where he was warned there was bear activity. Someone gave him an air horn to use just in case.

"It usually scared them away,'' the man told Brennan. "Usually."

It was one of his worst nights of sleep, he said.

Still, the trip was worth it, he said, noting the need to help veterans and their families.

"I met a lot of veterans and their families,'' Brennan said of his journey. "Everybody has a veteran story. If it's not you, it's your grandfather or brother or best friend. I got a lot of donations along the way. At restaurants, waitresses would give their next tip. It was impressive."

So is Brennan, said his "cheerleader" and cousin Shubob Seymour.

"I've never heard of anyone trying to attempt this and he was talking about this 30 years ago when he was a lifeguard in New Jersey,'' Seymour said. "Move 30 years forward and he flippin' does it and now he's 67. We both are but I could never accomplish when he did. And the best thing is, he's giving back to the community and to the veterans."

To donate to Brennan's ongoing fundraiser, go to https://support.dav.org and look for "900 Mile Row. Pensacola to Key West for DAV" or "Brian Brennan" in the fundraiser search.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola man Brian Brennan rows to Key West for disabled veterans.

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COMMENTS

  1. Key West

    November 3rd - 10th, 2024. Step into the exhilarating world of Race World Offshore, where the ocean becomes a high-speed battleground for cutting-edge boats and fearless competitors. Welcome to Race World Offshore, where every moment is a celebration of nautical prowess and the relentless pursuit of victory on the offshore racing stage.

  2. The Southernmost Regatta

    5 Days of Racing. The Southernmost Regatta offers 5 consecutive days of high-quality racing on the picturesque blue waters of Key West, FL. The event is open to One Design and ORC Racing / Cruising Keelboats. Our plan is to provide a two races a day on two course, a One Design Course and an ORC Course. We will also offer one distance race a day ...

  3. RWO 2024 Schedule: A Thrilling Season of Races Ahead

    Key West: November 3-10. The grand finale awaits in Key West, where the culmination of the season unfolds against the stunning backdrop of this iconic location. Teams will battle it out for supremacy, navigating the turquoise waters with skill and precision. Key West promises to be a fitting end to a spectacular season of boat races.

  4. Offshore World Championships

    Offshore World Championships: November 3th - 10th. Race World Offshore is thrilled to host teams and offshore racing enthusiasts in Key West for the incredible Offshore World Championship, sponsored by Performance Boat Center.As the leading Offshore Racing Sanctioning body in the U.S., our dedicated team is committed to delivering an unforgettable week.

  5. Bone Island Regatta

    Bone Islad Regatta Sailboat Race to Key West. Bone Island Regatta. Home About NOR Entries 2024 Photos Contact Final Results 2024 Save the Date. 15th Annual Bone Island Regatta race to key west May 14-17 2025. Track The 2024 Race ... Boca Ciega Yacht Club's newsletter ...

  6. Key West Worlds Day No. 1—Dominance Carries Over

    Key West Worlds Day No. 1—Dominance Carries Over. Created: November 9, 2023. by: Written by Eric Colby. At the first day of competition at the 42nd annual Race World Offshore Key West World Championship presented by Performance Boat Center, the winners in virtually every class put on a superior display of dominance, setting the stage for ...

  7. Rise of the Southernmost Regatta

    August 10, 2022. David Team's GL52 VesperWalter Cooper. When Marty Kullman finally got home after orchestrating his weeklong Southernmost Regatta in Key West, his phone was lighting up. Texts ...

  8. 2022 Key West Southernmost Regatta is back

    Related Articles Southernmost Regatta at Key West The J/70s and J/111s enjoy classic racing conditions in Aquamarine waters At the end of a 113.0 mile-long Florida Keys, the Southernmost Regatta offerred sailors amazing weatehr, surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters. Posted on 29 Jan Southernmost Regatta Powered by Sailing Inc Six fleets came out to play in Key West On a little chain of ...

  9. Offshore Powerboat Racing World Championships

    When: November 5 - November 12, 2023. Where: Truman Waterfront Park, Southard St, Key West, FL 33040. The Key West Offshore Racing World Championship is to begin on Sunday, November 5th, 2022 kicking off the week with a parade of the world's fastest boats. The first race starts on Wednesday the 8th with 1st race time at 10 am, followed by 12:30 ...

  10. Southernmost Regatta returns in 2023

    Published on February 9th, 2022. Key West, FL (February 9, 2022) - After having 45 boats compete in the inaugural edition of The Southernmost Regatta last month, the second edition is now ...

  11. REPLAY Key West Boat Races

    Replay of live boat racing video from the Key West Offshore World Championship. Truman Waterfront Cup. Race day #1 starts at 10am on Wed Nov 8 2023. Race ...

  12. Key West Worlds Finale: Twice As Nice

    In Bracket 600, the Key West based 25-foot Baja, Power House Racing, with Nelson Sawyer and Damon Marotta, Jr., took the hometown win by grabbing checkered flags in both races. Second went to the 26-foot Corsa, Gerard Marine/XINSURANCE , and the smallest boat in the fleet, the 21-foot Superboat, Jackhammer , placed third.

  13. Key West Race Week

    Quantum Key West Race Week 2015 will once again showcase the full spectrum of sailboat racing amid the beautiful setting of aqua-colored waters and warm sunshine. Many of the world's best sailors will come to the Conch Republic for the 28th edition of Key West Race Week, being held Jan. 18-23.

  14. Key West Boat Races: 2022 Preview Guide

    Here's what to expect at the 2022 Key West Boat Races: When: November 6-13, 2022. Where: Key West, Florida; Truman Waterfront, Duval Street, Mallory Square. What: Four races scheduled per day (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), featuring boats from multiple classes. Enhance your Race Week Experience with a boat rental: Explore Boats in Key West.

  15. Key West Schedule

    Key West Registration; RWO Registration. RWO Membership; Staff Registration; Support Boat Registration; Media Press Credentials; Teams. Super Cat; Super Stock; Modified V; 450R Factory Stock; Super Vee; Bracket Classes 1-7; Class 1; UIM Class 3x & Extreme; ... ATTENTION Race Teams: Please register at least 2 weeks prior to the each race event ...

  16. Key West Race World Offshore Boat Races

    The Race World Offshore Key West Championships is an exciting annual event that brings the world's top offshore boat racers to Key West. There are three days of racing and seven full days of events including fun parties and parades. The Key West World Championships isn't just for racers.

  17. Key West Sailing Adventure and Sunset Sails

    A Key West sailing adventure aboard the Schooner Jolly II Rover takes you back in time on a classic 80' tall ship to an era of pirates, rum runners and privateers seeking freedom and solitude. Their spirit of independence lives on daily on the Jolly II Rover. Roling Thunder Happy Hour from James Papagno on Vimeo.

  18. Key West Sailing Race: Day Sail, Wreckers Race and more!

    Sail Racing. Book Now Call to order 305-293-7245. Besides being known for great food and music, Key West is also known for its perfect sailing conditions. And what better way to experience sailing than aboard the Schooner America 2.0 for a race! Unlike most traditional schooners, Schooner America 2.0 was built for both speed and comfort.

  19. Race World Offshore

    Race World Offshore. 18,066 likes · 69 talking about this. Race World Offshore, LLC is a professional offshore powerboat racing organization based in Key West, Florida.

  20. BOAT RACING

    This is a glimpse of a week at the offshore key west world championships building up to race day. Safety dunker tests, key west boat parade, and some great c...

  21. Regional Sailboat Races in the USA

    It's known for attracting top sailors and a wide range of sailboat classes, making it a highlight of the West Coast racing calendar. ... Description: The Clearwater to Key Largo Race is an offshore sailing race that starts in Clearwater, Florida, and finishes in Key Largo, Florida. It's organized by the Clearwater Yacht Club.

  22. 2024 Lauderdale to Key West Race on Yacht Scoring

    Yacht Scoring is a featured packed 100% web based regatta administration and scoring system that simplifies the task of competitor registration, event management, competitor and media communications while providing results in near-real time to competitors and the World following your event on the internet. ... 2024 Lauderdale to Key West Race ...

  23. REPLAY Key West Powerboat Races

    41st Annual Race World Offshore Key West Offshore World Championship powerboat races. Live from Mallory Square in Key West Florida. Boat races begin Sunda...

  24. The most boats ever will compete in the 100th Bayview Yacht Club race

    The course. Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. Bayview Yacht Club says boats start leaving the Black River in Port Huron around 8 a.m. on race day and ...

  25. Rowboat trip to Key West successful despite shark, manatee and bear threat

    The Navy veteran rowed a small boat from Pensacola to Key West on a months-long, nearly 900-mile journey to raise money for disabled veterans.