KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Top American and international powerboat racing teams are to churn up the waters of Key West Harbor during the Key West World Championship slated for Sunday through Sunday, Nov. 8-15.
Boats compete in 14 classes during the season-ending championship series, acclaimed as the Indianapolis 500 of the offshore powerboat racing circuit. Chief among them is the Superboat Unlimited class, drawing large and impressive contenders that can achieve speeds of more than 170 miles per hour.
The Key West World Championship is to kick off with a parade of race boats down the island’s legendary Duval Street beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8.
The action continues through the week with races Wednesday, Nov. 11; Friday, Nov. 13, and Sunday, Nov. 15. The challenging 6.5-mile course through Key West Harbor and surrounding waters is a primary reason for the island city’s reputation as one of the world’s premier racing venues.
On nonrace days, powerboat enthusiasts can view the boats up close and mingle with racers and crews at the race village on the Truman Waterfront, located at the end of Southard Street past Thomas Street and Truman Annex.
On race days, spectators can get an unparalleled view of the action from grandstand areas on the Truman Waterfront — sitting so close they can practically feel the salt spray as boats thunder by at awe-inspiring speeds.
Other popular viewing areas include waterfront hotels and Key West’s Mallory Square.
For race details, including a schedule of events and information on all-inclusive VIP spectator packages, visit http://www.superboat.com/.