World Title Powerboat Races Set to Make Waves in Key West Nov. 5-12
September 20, 2023 • KW Tourist
Key West, Florida — The serene waters of Key West are set to be disrupted with thrilling powerboat races as fans of speed, skill, and adrenaline descend upon one of the world's premier venues for offshore powerboat racing from November 5-12.
Event Highlights:
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Race World Offshore World Championship: Sponsored by Performance Boat Center, this event holds the endorsement of both the American Power Boat Association and the Union Internationale Motonautique.
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Kick-Off Parade: The week's festivities begin with the “World’s Fastest Boat Parade” on Sunday, Nov. 5, 4 p.m. at Key West's iconic Duval Street.
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Race Schedule: Key dates include:
- Wednesday, Nov. 8
- Friday, Nov. 10
- Sunday, Nov. 12
On these days, races are set to start at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
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Competing Teams: Fans can expect to witness approximately 50 boats in the championship, from bracket-class competitors to large catamarans exceeding 45 feet that can top 160 mph.
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Race Course Details:
- A 4.4-mile-per-lap route partly navigates the calm waters of Key West Harbor, a zone where boats can reach awe-inspiring speeds.
- Spectators are in for a treat with viewing spots incredibly close to the high-octane action.
- The course offers a mix of water conditions, challenging teams to demonstrate their equipment's durability and the effectiveness of their boat designs.
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Viewing Spots:
- On race days: The Truman Waterfront Race Village and the adjacent “Outer Mole” pier are prime locations.
- Popular alternatives: Harborfront hotels' restaurants and bars and the famous Key West's Mallory Square.
- On non-race days: Fans can observe the boats, witness in-water tests, and interact with the race participants at the race village.
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Awards Ceremony: The championship awards will be presented at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Truman Waterfront Park on Sunday afternoon.
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Additional Attractions:
- Social events such as a block party on Duval and Greene streets on Friday night.
- A quirky boat-building contest in Truman Waterfront Park on Saturday.
- A Saturday-night concert featuring artists such as Sam Carlson, Cliff Cody, the Wolf Love Band, and the Key West Kings at the amphitheater.
Ticketing Information:
- General Admission: Available on-site at Truman Waterfront Park on race days.
- VIP Access: Exclusive tickets for both the concert and race-day viewing at the Outer Mole grandstands, which includes amenities like water shuttle service, can be purchased from specific online portals.
For more details, visit the event's official page: raceworldoffshore.com/key-west/.
