powerboat racing key west

Festivals & Events

Offshore powerboat racing world championships.

When: November 3 - November 10, 2023

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

Key West Offshore World Championship: Your Guide to the Ultimate Powerboat Racing Experience

Dates: November 3rd - 10th, 2024

Overview: Get ready for the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the Key West Offshore World Championship, the pinnacle of powerboat racing! From November 3rd to 10th, 2024, Key West will host this world-class event, drawing top teams and spectators from around the globe. This week-long spectacle is not just about racing—it's a full immersion into the vibrant energy of Key West.

Racing Schedule:

• November 3rd-4th: Registration, technical inspections, and practice runs. These days are perfect for getting an early look at the boats and teams.
• November 5th-6th: The action heats up with initial rounds of racing. Different classes of boats compete in thrilling heats, with plenty of opportunities to catch the action.
• November 7th-8th: Semi-finals and key heats. The competition intensifies as teams battle for a spot in the finals.
• November 9th-10th: The grand finale! These are the most anticipated days, featuring the final races and the crowning of the world champions.

What to Expect: Spectators can expect a thrilling week of high-speed action on the water, set against the beautiful backdrop of Key West. Beyond the races, the event offers a vibrant atmosphere with parades, parties, and exhibitions, making it a full week of entertainment.

Plan Your Visit:

• Accommodation: Book early to secure your stay, as hotels fill up quickly during this popular event.
• Viewing Spots: Prime locations include Mallory Square and the Outer Mole Pier, offering some of the best views of the races.
• Other Events: Don’t miss the pre-race parties and post-race celebrations that take over the town. These are great opportunities to mingle with teams and other fans.

Whether you're a die-hard powerboat racing fan or just looking for an exciting way to experience Key West, the Offshore World Championship offers an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendar and start planning your trip to be part of this legendary event!

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Everything you Need to Know about the Key West Powerboat Races 2023

Offshore powerboat racing is regarded as one of the most spectacular and exciting sports in the world, easily rivaling events like the Daytona 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and the Indianapolis 500. Become part of the ultimate adrenaline rush when the highly competitive races return to Key West once again this November. Here’s everything you need to know about the Key West Offshore World Championship Powerboat Races in 2023 (we answer some frequently asked questions too!).

When are the Key West Powerboat World Championships?

The entire event will take place over eight days on Key West’s waterfront, Nov. 5 - 12, 2023, with the races being held on Wednesday, Nov. 8 (Truman Waterfront Cup), Friday, Nov. 10 (Southernmost Continental Championship), and Sunday, Nov. 12 (Conch Republic Championship). See the schedule below for dates and times.

Where are the Powerboat World Championships in Key West?

The races will take place near Truman Waterfront Park, which is located at the end of Southard Street on Key West’s western shore.

How do you get to Truman Waterfront Park?

Guests of The Gates Hotel can hop on the air-conditioned shuttle to the Key West Historic Seaport (just show the shuttle driver your room key!). Once in Old Town, catch a cab or ridesharing service to Truman Waterfront Park or take the 15-minute walk by trekking south on William Street and taking a right on Southard Street. The park is located at the end of the traffic circle.

What should you bring to the Key West Powerboat World Championships?

Enhance your time at the races by bringing a comfortable folding chair or blanket and a beach umbrella to help shade you from the sun. Sunglasses and sunscreen are helpful too! Food and beverage vendors will be set up along the Outer Mole.

[The Weirdest Events at Fantasy Fest 2023]

Where are the Best Places to Watch the Boat Races in Key West?

Capture the boats flying past at top speed on the Outer Mole pier at Truman Waterfront Park. For an added bonus, hop aboard the Fury catamaran for the best viewing. The state-of-the-art catamaran sits literally in the middle of all the powerboat action, with a full liquor bar and light bites served.

[Save big with the Fury Watersports Package when you book your Key West stay with The Gates Hotel and choose from two amazing open water experiences]

Key West Powerboat Races Tickets and VIP Access

General admission to the races will be sold on-site at Truman Waterfront Park ($25 for a single day pass, $53 for a three-day pass; kids 12 and under, military, and veterans are free). Get the VIP Premium Race Experience which includes admission to the races, VIP seating on the Outer Mole, Fury water access from Duval, and a cash bar.

Best Events at the Key West Powerboat Races (Besides the Races)

See the opening ceremony before the festivities begin and the awards and closing ceremonies at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront. Notable events also include nightly racer’s parties at local bars, the World’s Fastest Boat Parade down Duval Street, and the 4th annual Build-A-Boat contest , where teams of 4 - 12 build a boat from scratch with materials provided. Cliff Cody, Key West Kings, Sam Carlson, and Wolf Love Band are set to take the stage at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater for ‘Boats and Boots’ on Saturday. 

[How to Celebrate Halloween in Key West 2023]

Key West Offshore Powerboat Racing Schedule 2023

We combed the week-long schedule to find the best events we think you’ll love. For a full schedule of events and itinerary for race participants, visit Race World Offshore.

Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

World’s Fastest Boat Parade down Duval Street, 4 p.m.

Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon ‘Racers Sunday Funday,’ 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 6, 2023

Race World Offshore Smokin’ Tuna Saloon ‘Racers Welcome Party,’ 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Keys Collection Racer's Party at Sunset Green Event Lawn , 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. As a proud Key West Powerboat Races sponsor, join The Gate’s Hotel at Sunset Green Event Lawn as we host this very special event for Race World Offshore fans.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Truman Waterfront Cup , Race 1, 10 a.m.

Truman Waterfront Cup , Race 2, 10:45 a.m.

Truman Waterfront Cup , Race 3, 12:30 p.m.

Truman Waterfront Cup , Race 4, 1:30 p.m.

Truman Waterfront Cup , Race 5, 2:30 p.m.

Race World Offshore General Horseplay ‘Racers Tomfoolery,’ 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Teasers ‘Race World Pole Position Party,’ 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023

Speed on the Water and Green Street Party, 7 p.m.

Hog's Breath Saloon ‘Hog's, Boats, and Ghosts World Championship Party,’ 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 10, 2023

Southernmost Continental Championship , Race 1, 10 a.m.

Southernmost Continental Championship , Race 2, 10:45 a.m.

Southernmost Continental Championship , Race 3, 12:30 p.m.

Southernmost Continental Championship , Race 4, 1:30 p.m.

Southernmost Continental Championship , Race 5, 2:30 p.m.

The Marker ‘Crown Royal Poolside Party’, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Race World Offshore Duval and Greene Block Party with your favorite race boats, 7 p.m.

Rick's Upstairs ‘Monster Energy World Championship Party,’ 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023

Build a Boat Building Contest on the waterfront by USCGC Ingham, 9:30 a.m.

Boat Build Race begins, 11 a.m.

XINSURANCE ‘Boats and Boots Concert’ at Coffee Butter Amphitheater, 5 - 10 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023

Conch Republic Championship , Race 1, 10 a.m.

Conch Republic Championship , Race 2, 10:45 a.m.

Conch Republic Championship , Race 3, 12:30 p.m.

Conch Republic Championship , Race 4, 1:30 p.m.

Conch Republic Championship , Race 5, 2:30 p.m.

Race World Offshore World Championship Awards Ceremony at Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 6 - 8 p.m.

Seal the Deal! Book Your Stay at the Conde Nast award-winning The Gates Hotel Key West , one of the Key West Offshore World Championship’s Hotel Partners. Now for a limited time, save up to 25% with our Fall Sale and join us on Nov. 7 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Sunset Green Event Lawn for a special Racer’s Party to meet and mingle with fellow powerboat enthusiasts.

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Powerboat Racing World

Frode Sundsdal

What is prw.

It’s a powerboat racing website that has covered circuit racing, offshore racing and PWC since 2016. Maintained by The Race Factory based in Norway who have specialists in event planning and promotion, social media, graphic design, and photography. We are currently working on our vision and believe that we can and will make a different in powerboating. We will dedicate our time to produce accurate factual stories and to promote the sport to a wider global audience.

Race World Offshore (RWO) set a new stage for World Championship racing in Key West, conducting a high performance week that drew 28 teams to the Southern Most City in the United States for 3 days of competition.

This full-throttle legendary venue always demands the ultimate in skill from contenders, mixing calm and rough water conditions into a true offshore experience.

The most difficult sections of the 4.48 mile race course stretched between Turn 1 and 2 as boats then head North into the wind and the dicey Turn 3 in the harbor.

Super Stock-class raceboats make the turn in Key West Harbor during the first of three days of racing at the Race World Offshore Key West Championships Photo: Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO

As multi-titled throttle-man John Tomlinson once told me:

If you can get through three days of racing, it’s a rewarding way to end the year.

And just what is it that makes the Key West event so special?

Peter Meyer told me:

Race week is the place for every high-performance enthusiast to be. Along with the intense competition, you get to see a lot of people. Anybody that’s anybody in the boating world is there.

The now retired champion (whose racing career dates back to the 1980’s) can’t stay away from the action: he made the trip south and stepped up to the mike as a part of the broadcast team last week.

So, when the calendar flipped its pages to November, the eclectic mood that permeates this Florida Keys global destination accelerated into a highly fuelled liquid speed track as the top offshore contenders vied for the ultimate prize all racers covet: a World Championship title.

It was the Super Stock Class that delivered a series of catch-your-breath moments as the green flag signalled the start of the 2019 event.

Team Allen Lawn Care and LPC Photo: Bob Eddings

Wednesday’s Race 2 unfolded with a deck-to-deck flip with Team Allen Lawn Care and LPC in Key West Harbor that left fans blinking their eyes in disbelief, taking the pair of top contenders out of the chase.

During Lap 3 of the Super Stock contest Friday, Reese Langheim and Ricky Maldonado (below) took Jackhammer airborne, knocking them out of competition. The best news, all three teams didn’t sustain life threatening injuries.

Reese Langheim and Ricky Maldonado Photo: Nikki Lee

Showcasing a slimmed down fleet of seven boats, Rob Unnerstall and Casey Boaz held the advantage heading into Sunday’s final double point race as the team powered CR Racing to first place for Wednesday and Friday.

Now, it was game on for a stunning Super Stock contest.

Super Stock-class raceboats cross the start line during the third and final day of competition at the Race World Offshore Key West Championships Photo: Carol Tedesco/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO

At the start, Loren Leibel and Gary Ballough took FJ Propeller to a short-lived lead (“the new Victory hull has been a learning curve this year,” Ballough said), while Myrick Coil and Rusty Williams powered ahead in Performance Boat Center. Unnerstall and Boaz set their sights for the number one slot, blasting CR Racing to the front of the class, while Nick Scafidi and Scott Porta aboard Shadow Pirate were in hot pursuit, making their way up through the lap traffic in an impressive effort to seize the lead.

Although seconds separated the two teams at the half way mark, CR Racing crossed the finish line first and won its second consecutive World Championship title. Performance Boat Center and FJ Propeller completed the class podium.

Sunday’s final race set the stage for a Super Cat clash that showcased the talents of veteran racers who know the challenges of Key West racing.

Billy Mauff and Jay Muller of WHM Motorsports accelerated to the front of the pack, leading most of the race until Marty Siersma and Mark Kowalski in Dependable Offshore Racing took aim for Mauff and Muller.

Dependable Offshore Racing delivered a commanding presence on the water, running hard and staying within seconds of WHM Motorsports.

The intense competition triggered a near flip for Siersma and Kowalski between Turn 1 and 2; although Dependable Offshore Racing was able to stay right side, the team never regained its momentum to stay in the chase.

At the end of the day, WHM Motorsports (below) clinched the Super Cat World Championship title by 3 points. Pro Floors Racing placed second and M CON rounded out the top three.

WHM Motorsports, piloted by Billy Mauff and Jay Muller Photo: Carol Tedesco/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO

Billy Mauff and Jay Muller raced WHM Motorsports to the top of its class winning the Super Cat World Championship.

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Offshore Powerboat Racing World Championships

When: November 3 - November 10, 2024

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

The Race World Offshore (RWO) is bringing together teams and fans for an exciting Offshore World Championship experience in Key West from November 3rd-10th, 2024. Recognized as the leading Offshore Racing Sanctioning authority in the US, RWO aims to present an unforgettable week featuring the world's top offshore race teams. The event will be held in the Race Village, situated at Truman Waterfront Park, which will be open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

The championship offers several highlights including:

• Three days of racing on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (1st race time at 10 am, followed by 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm start times).
• A live stream of the races on a Jumbo LED stage in the Race Village.
• A variety of vendors and food available each day.
• Access to the Navy Outermole for optimal viewing of the races.
• Amenities such as bleachers, food, music, and entertainment.
• The Race Day's Hospitality Village, and award ceremonies held on the Outermole after each race on Wednesday and Friday.

The week begins with the World's Fastest Boat Parade on Duval Street the Sunday prior, followed by a variety of activities throughout the week, including a block party, the 3rd Annual Build-A-Boat Contest, and a shuttle service on race days for Outer Mole VIP guests. The final Sunday Racing marks the World Championship Day, culminating in the UIM World Champion Awards & Closing Ceremonies in the Race Village.

General admission to Race Day 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)

The RWO UIM World Championships in Key West rival marquee events like the Daytona 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and the Indianapolis 500, offering a thrilling and unique Offshore Racing Experience.

The Full Schedule of Events for the week covers everything from the opening Parade to the award ceremonies and closing concert, including inspections, registration, meetings, fueling, testing, racing, post-race technical inspections, entertainment events, and hospitality services. In addition to the races themselves, there are a number of concerts, parties, and community events scheduled throughout the week, promising an exhilarating, comprehensive experience for both the teams and the fans.

P1 Offshore;

Powerboat P1 is the fastest growing marine motorsport series in the world and has a long term commitment to growing and developing the sport of power boating at all levels. The Powerboat P1 team works closely with the sport’s governing bodies, the UIM, APBA and the IJSBA. P1 has delivered more than 85 world championship events in over twelve different countries for more than a decade.

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Key west worlds race no. 1 - dominance carries over, eric colby, sotw: 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 three days of heated competition in the southernmost city in the united states., written by eric colby speedonthewater.com.

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 three days of heated competition in the southernmost city in the United States.

By taking the checkered flag in race No. 1, the M CON/Monster Energy cockpit duo of owner/driver Tyler Miller and Myrick Coil moved one step closer to their second consecutive Super Cat world championship. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix

While some teams made use of a favorable lane assignment to establish dominance like M CON in Super Cat, GC Racing in 450R Factory Stock and El Bandito Tequila/Sunprint in Mod V, 222 Offshore Australia started in its worst position this season in Class 1 and Jackhammer was in the outermost lane in Super Stock.

When the green flag flew for the Super Cat race, owner/throttleman Tyler Miller and driver Myrick Coil leapt to the lead in their Skater Powerboats 388 M CON/Monster Energy from lane two. Making the most of their cameo appearance in the class for 2023, the father-son team of Anthony Smith and Anthony Smith, Jr., in their 388 Skater, HP Mafia, drew lane one and held second place for the first seven laps of the race until they had to pull off the course to extinguish a fire.

That left the door open for owner/driver Chris Grant and throttleman Billy Moore to move up to second place in their 388 Skater, Graydel, after they got around another 38-foot Skater, CR Racing/XINSURANCE with driver Rob Unnerstall and throttleman Casey Boaz. The largest boat in the class, the 40-foot Skater, WHM Motorsports, with owner/driver Billy Mauff and throttleman Jay Muller, finished in fourth, and the new in-cockpit duo of throttleman Bill Pyburn and driver Brit Lilly ran a solid fifth in the 388 Skater, Dirty Money.

When the results were tallied, Graydel was penalized for hitting a buoy and dropped to 8th place. That moved CR Racing/XINSURANCE up to second and WHM to third.

Running to the first turn from the start, Graydel and Dirty Money were literally rubbing. “It was bumper cars out there,” Grant said. Once the two separated, Graydel started its march toward the front while Pyburn and Lilly learned how to work with each other in their first race in the boat.

For the winners, Miller said his team nailed the setup and that his boat was “super happy.” The always enthusiast Kansas native added, “I’m just so excited for the entire class. We had 11 boats running into turn No.1.”

In the end, three Skaters took the Super Cat podium for the Truman Waterfront Championship in the daily competition for Race World Offshore honors. Seventy five teams were registered for the competition and there was only one scratch after a heavy day of testing on Tuesday. As has usually been the case, the teams raced for half points on Wednesday, which they will do again on Friday and full points will be awarded Sunday. The boats with the largest point totals will win the 2023 world championship.

For the first time in two years, the teams from the Class 1 class competed in Key West and five of the six boats that made the circuit in 2023 were on hand.

When the green flag flew, the 438 Skater Monster Energy/M CON with throttleman Miller and driver Coil, roared to the lead with throttleman Billy Moore and owner/driver Mike Falco in second in the 48-foot Outerlimits, DeFalco Racing.

As the six boats all jockeyed for position coming into turn three in Key West Harbor, the 43-foot MTI, XINSURANCE, with driver Randy Kent and Grant Bruggemann blew over, creating a red flag after the boat came to rest upside down. The in-boat crew escaped the incident without injury.

“It’s a dangerous sport,” Bruggemann said. “Thanks to Randy Scism and the guys at MTI for building a safe cockpit.”

After the course was cleared and the race was restarted, even though they were in lane four at the start—their farthest from the pole position this season—driver Darren Nicholson and throttleman Giovanni Carpitella blasted to the lead in their 47-foot Victory, 222 Offshore Australia. Moore and Falco gave chase and held second without much of a challenge while Monster Energy/M CON grabbed the final podium spot. Rich Wyatt and driver Hugh Fuller had to pull off to deal with a mechanical problem in the 50-foot Mystic, df Young Logistics, but got restarted to finish fourth. The 49-foot Victory, Pothole Heroes, pulled off with a broken sea strainer and as crew chief Gary Stray and throttleman John Tomlinson were looking at the strainer cap in the pits afterward, each said they had never seen one break like that. Think about that one for a minute.

Darren Nicholson and throttleman Giovanni Carpitella in 222 Offshore Australia picked right where they off at the St. Pete Grand Prix in early September.

Moore was happy with second place in Class 1, saying that he ran some different props to get the boat to fly the nose a little more. “We tried a couple things I did 15 years ago to make it handle better,” he said.

Having experience to call on never hurts.

Miller said that he missed the restart by a second, adding, “Once you do that it’s over.”

Speaking of experience, Carpitella spent five years throttling the boat that is now 222 Offshore Australia with driver Luca Fendi when it was powered by twin Lamborghini engines. “I know the props it likes,” Carpitella said. “It’s important to know the setup.”

Impressive Performances

Also on the course with the Class 1 boats were the eight single-engine V-bottoms in Mod-V and the reigning national champions throttleman Steve Miklos and driver Steven Fehrmann in the 29-foot Extreme, El Bandito/Sunprint, emerged from the chaos in turn one with the lead on the 4.5-mile course.

“We got hit from behind but it’s still race-able,” said Miklos, who was able to maintain their lead over Brit Lilly and throttleman Jay Wholtman in their 29-foot LSB Extreme, Rev-X LSB/Speed Marine, and the father-son team of throttleman Steve Kildahl and driver Steven Kildahl, in their 29-foot Extreme, Boatfloater.com. The 30-foot Laticrete/Relentless with driver Chris Uzzolina and throttleman Rob Hartmann ran a close fourth.

On the fourth lap of the race, Rev-X LSB pulled off with a mechanical problem and the boats that were running behind moved up to the podium and held their position for the duration of the seven-lap race. El Bandito/Sunprint grabbed top honors followed by Boatfloater.com, with Steve Kildahl participating in his 38th world championship in Key West, and by Laticrete/Relentless.

In the weeks before the Race World Offshore Key West event, 2023 Mod-V national champions Steve Miklos and driver Steven Fehrmann weren’t sure if they’d be able to make it to Key West. Yesterday’s first-place finish definitely made it worth the trip.

Travis Petko, the owner of the Laticrete/Relentless boat couldn’t be in Key West because of a scheduling conflict, so Uzzolina and Hartmann reunited a year after last racing in this event.

“Travis was a class-act owner letting us run the boat,” Hartmann said. “And Laticrete is excited to be here. Everyone is happy with third.”

Next up was the 450R Factory Stock boats plus the three entries in VX class and the lone boat in Extreme 1.

In the 450R race, owner/driver Willy Cabeza brought in Shaun Torrente to throttle his 39-foot MTI, GC Racing, and they made the best of lane two, jumping out to an early lead. Having their best performance of the year, throttleman Nick Imprescia and driver Ian Morgan ran second in their 39-foot MTI, 151 Express, followed by the 38-foot Doug Wright, Hank’s Saloon with throttleman Edwin Scheer and Key West’s own Lee Murray on the wheel.

As the race wore on, the defending world and national champions—throttleman John Tomlinson and driver Taylor Scism in the TS Motorsports MTI—started working their way up through the fleet after starting in the outermost lane. “Once we got clean water, we mowed everybody down,” Tomlinson said.

In the first 450R Factory Stock race as teammates, Shaun Torrente and Willy Cabeza emerged victorious.

But in the end, they ran out of laps and GC Racing took the win followed by 151 Express and TS Motorsports.

“It made a big difference,” Cabeza said of having Torrente in the boat. “He really knows the telemetry and how to make the most of it.”

Imprescia said he and Morgan had been down on speed for much of the season, but finally had their boat at the peak of its abilities.

In the ultimate battle of attrition, all of the boats in the V Extreme class had their share of mechanical problems, but soldiered on. Unofficially, the 42-foot Fountain Team Farnsworth/Hancock Claims with driver Christian McCauley and throttleman Jay Healey, outlasted their competition. Second went to driver Kirk Britto and throttleman Robert Brockyear of the United Kingdom in the 42-foot Fountain, Team 25, while the 40-foot Skater, Race Winning Brands, with driver Ed Wendt and throttleman Bill McComb, finished third.

The V Extrreme class was a battle of attrition that saw Team Farnsworth/Hancock Claims prevail.

In Extreme class, owner/driver Jeff Stevenson and throttleman Michael Stancombe put on an impressive speed display in the 42-foot MTI, JBS Racing, powered by XVI power engines.

Lanes Don’t Matter

In the penultimate race of the day, 11 boats took to the course for the Super Stock race and the team of owner Reese Langheim and throttleman Julian Maldonado had the worst position they could be in at the start, lane 11.

It didn’t matter because the duo in the 32-foot Victory, Jackhammer, charged to a lead they would never relinquish.

Jackhammer’s Reese Langheim and Julian Maldonado started their week in Key West with a decisive victory.

Behind them, a torrid battle was waged and in the end, the 32-foot Doug Wright, Northwing, with owner/driver Darren Kittredge and throttleman Boaz, finished second followed by owner/driver Chris Hopgood and throttleman Jay Muller in Celsius in third. Team Bermuda remans in overall contention with a four-place finish followed by Big East Construction in fifth.

“We’re just awesome together,” Langheim said of his partner Maldonado. “You could put us in a racecar together.”

Kittredge said the balance on his boat was “perfect” and that the setup was “dead on.”

Hopgood was pleased with his second experience in the boat with Muller. “We got through turn one and we were able to start picking away,” he said. “This was my first podium in two years.”

Setting the Stage

The racing started at 10 a.m. with 30 boats in the bracket classes taking to the course. In the first start, the boats in Bracket 200, 300 and 400 led the way followed by a pack of competitors in Bracket 500, 600 and 700.

In Bracket 200, the 41-foot Apache, Predator, with owner/driver Dean Stahlman, throttleman Nate Hunt and first-time navigator Matt Patroski, prevailed over the 44-foot MTI, Batman Racing, with driver Elliot Toth and throttleman Jack Mueller. The new 39-foot Phantom, Justice League, with driver Don Urfer, throttleman Richard Davis and navigator Corey Shantry, showed speed early, but pulled off with a mechanical issue. The 38-foot Fountain, Herbott Racing, unofficially finished third.

Even in relatively calm water, the Bracket 700 class never fails to put on a great show.

In Bracket 400, Jim Simmons and driver Jason Zolecki continued to dominate in the 34-foot Phantom, Simmons Racing. Eventually, Simmons is going to run out of space for checkered flag decals on the boat that formerly ran as Twisted Styx in Factory 2 class. Second in the class went to Jesse Schmig and Brad Wade in the 29-foot Lavey Craft, Team Woody, followed by the 30-foot Phantom, Allied Offshore, with first-time driver Jake Nicks and throttleman Mark Fernandez. The boat ran previously as Shocker in the Mod-V class.

“We were wondering where everyone went,” said Simmons after the team pulled out to the lead.

In the second start of the first race of the day, the boats in Bracket 500, 600 and 700 took off. In Bracket 700, the 21-foot Superboat, Statement Marine Safe Cash, took unofficial top honors, followed by the 21-foot Superboat, Jackhammer, and the 22 Nitra, XINSURANCE/Golf N Gator.

In Bracket 500, the 29-foot Manta, Sweat Equity, with owner/throttleman Greg DiRenzo, driver Jeremy Bisson and first-time navigator Angie Pierce, took the checkered flag after some breakouts and a reminder of the fact that offshore powerboat racing is a motorsport and can, in fact, be dangerous.

“It was bad-ass,” Pierce said of her first race.

But apparently Sweat Equity broke out. As of this morning, the official results on the Race World Offshore website had Bulletproof in first, Sweat Equity in second and Bronx Phantom/Marker 1 Marine in third.

Unfortunately as the Bracket 500 race was winding down, the 26-foot Joker, Freebird, with the young up-and-coming team of throttleman Ryan Stahlman and driver Reef Delanos was battling with the team of throttleman Micheal Stancombe and driver J.J. Turk in the 30-foot Phantom, XINSURANCE /Golf N Gator. Speedonthewater.com has been told that one boat hooked and the two boats collided. Delanos was treated in a Key West hospital and released. Out of respect for the Stahlman family, we are only reporting that Stahlman was injured and taken to Miami for further medical treatment.

Always a crowd-pleaser, the JBS Racing team of Jeff Stevenson and Micheal Stancombe ran uncontested in the Extreme class.

SpeedOnTheWater Article Results

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Race World Offshore Championships

Every year the Race World Offshore Championships are held at the start of November, visible from the famous Sunset Pier.

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Key West Powerboat Races – General Admission

We have a limited number of general admission tickets available for the viewing area around the Sunset Pier Bar on Friday, November 8 and Sunday, November 10, 2024. There will be limited seating, plenty of standing room and a cash bar. Join us at the BEST VIEWING spot in town.

Race World Offshore Key West Championships

Every year the Race World Offshore Championships are held at the start of November, visible from the famous Sunset Pier. And every year it is a true adrenaline rush for those lucky enough to see it. Experience the pulse-pounding adrenaline rush of offshore racing!

There are few sporting events more exciting than Race World Offshore Championships, and Key West is the host city for this exhilarating boat race. This powerboat racing event attracts the most competitive racing teams in the world. The racecourse, on the Gulf side of the island, is 6 miles of high-speed action, as racing boats can reach top speeds of 180mph.

The fun starts with the opening of the Racing Village and the Boat Parade down Duval Street. There are events every day leading up to the multiple days of high-speed, high-excitement racing.

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Race World Offshore Key West Championships – 2023

The race world offshore key west championships will be november 5th-12th, 2023. this is an exciting annual event that brings the world’s top offshore boat racers to key west. every fall, the beautiful water off of the coast of key west is a proving ground where professional boat racers push the limits. with three days of racing and seven full days of events, the key west offshore racing world championships is a fun time to be on our special island., november 5-12th, 2023, celebrate boating with fun key west parties and exciting races.

November 5-12th, 202 3

The Race World Offshore Key West 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. This great event is full of fun parties and parades. At the annual Duval Street Party, boats are on display for the public to see. One section of the course runs right through Key West Harbor. The smooth water allows racers to reach speeds above 140 mph. And spectators with private boats can enjoy the races from out on the water.

2023 Key West Event Schedule

Sunday November 5th

10AM – 5PM   Truman Waterfront Race Village Open

3PM – 4PM     Parade Participants Lineup

4PM – World’s Fastest Boat Parade – Duval Street

Monday November 6th

9AM – 5PM     Race Team Registration & Credential Tent Open

Will Call & Merchandise Tent Opens

Race Boat Inspections Truman Waterfront Start

Water Safety Equipment and Dunker Testing Begins

Tuesday November 7th

8AM – 9AM     Official Drivers Meetings & Opening Ceremonies

9AM – 5PM     Truman Waterfront Race Village Open

Race Team Registration & Credential Tent Open

10AM – 5PM   Sunoco Fueling Station Open

11:30AM – 4:30PM     Official Testing Time

Wednesday 8th – Truman Waterfront Cup – Race Day 1

6:30AM – 7:15AM       Driver & Throttleman Physicals

7:30AM – 8:00AM       Official Drivers Meeting

8AM – 1PM     Sunoco Fuel Station Open

8AM – 5PM     Truman Waterfront Race Village Open

8AM – 4PM     Will Call & Merchandise Tent Open

9AM – 4 PM    Shuttle Service behind Opal Key for VIP

10AM – Race 1 Official Start – Key West Harbor

Winner Circle on Outer Mole

11:30AM – 12:30PM   Harbor Open For Public Traffic

12:30PM – Race 2 Official Start – Key West Harbor

1:30PM – Race 3 Official Start – Key West Harbor

2:30PM – Race 4 Official Start – Key West Harbor

3:30PM – Post race technical inspections

Thursday November 9th

10AM – 5PM   Sunoco Fuel Station Open

Will Call & Merchandise Tent Open

10AM – 4PM   Team Credential Tent Open

11:30PM – 4:30PM     Official Testing Time

Friday 10th – Southernmost Continental Champion – Day 2

9AM – 4PM     Hospitality Tents Open

9AM – 4PM     Shuttle Service behind Opal Key for VIP

10AM  Race 1 Official Start – Key West Harbor

11:30AM – 12:30PM   Harbor Open for Public Traffic

12:30PM –       Race 2 Official Start – Key West Harbor

1:30PM –         Race 3 Official Start – Key West Harbor

2:30PM –         Race 4 Official Start – Key West Harbor

Winner Circle Outer Mole

3:30PM –         Post race technical inspections

7:30PM – 10:30PM     Duval Powerboat Street Party

Saturday November 11th

9:15am Sharp  MANDATORY meeting for boat building teams at Truman Waterfront Park at the RWO tent

9:30am            Building Contest on the waterfront by USCG Ingham

10:30am          Boat build safety inspections, life jackets and judging

11am   Boat build race begins

12PM   Testing Race Boats – Ramp re-opens

12PM – 4:30PM          Official Testing Time

Sunday 12th – Championship – Race Day 3

8AM – 12PM   Sunoco Fueling Station Open

Shuttle Service behind Opal Key for VIP

10AM –           Race 1 Official Start – Key West Harbor

11:30AM – 12:30PM   Harbor Open for Public Traffic          

12:30PM –       Race 2 official start – Key West Harbor

1:30PM –         Race 3 official start – Key West Harbor

2:30PM –         Race 4 official start – Key West Harbor

3:30PM –         Post race technical inspections immediately after conclusion of race

Call (305) 800-RACE for information or email  [email protected]

Thanks for checking out the Key West Offshore Racing World Championships with us. We look forward to celebrating offshore powerboat racing in Key West and sharing this special event with you.

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Special Trips & Events

Key West's Annual Powerboat Races

Come feel the thrill, and experience the energy! You can be a part of all the action onboard Fury during the 2024 Key West World Championship Power Boat Races hosted by Race World Offshore. There is no better way to watch this event than on an official turn boat. Fury will put you so close to the action you'll feel like you're in the driver's seat. Don't miss out!

• Check-In, 7:45am
• Departs, 8:30am
• Food & Snacks

Key West Powerboat Races

Full Liquor Bar Available

• Check-In 7:45am
• Departs 8:30am

Guaranteed best price when you book direct.

*Blackout dates & restrictions may apply. See full disclaimer below.

• DEPARTURE POINT

TURN 1 – Located off Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Turn 3 – located in the harbor.

Departure Location: #3 – Historic Seaport, 631 Greene Street

Check-In Time: 7:45am

Trip Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm*

*Approximate return time

Breakfast & Lunch & Beverages Included. See Menu Below.

Drink tickets available for purchase at check-in and on boat.

BEVERAGES INCLUDED

• Selection of Sodas
• Draft Michelob ULTRA & Landshark Lager
• Wine (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio & Cabernet Sauvignon)

DRINK TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE*

• Drink tickets available for purchase at check-in and on board
• 5 tickets for $30
• 1 ticket for $7

DRINK TICKETS INCLUDE

• Tito’s Vodka
• Bombay Sapphire Gin
• Bacardi Light Rum
• Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
• Jim Beam Bourbon
• Sauza Silver Tequila

All bar mixers included Pepsi products, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, Club Soda, Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice, and  Pineapple Juice

• Assorted Pastry Platter
• Fresh Seasonal Fruit
• Yogurt & Granola
• Assorted Pinwheels: Ham & Cheese, Turkey & Cheese, Veggie (individual mayo and mustard packets provided)
• Assorted Snacks
• Fresh Vegetables with Ranch
• Shrimp Cocktail Platter
• Cookie Platter

Menu subject to change.

Full disclaimer.

*Price based on single adult ticket price at time of purchase. Sales tax not included. Discount restrictions apply. Discounts or promotions are not valid with this trip.

Race World Offshore Key West Championships

The official turn boat experience.

Experience the Best Views of the Race

Climb aboard a state-of-the-art Fury Catamaran and experience the best seat in the house for the Annual Key West World Championship Power Boat Race. There is no better way to watch this spectacular event than on board one of our spacious catamarans. We’ll put you so close to the action you’ll feel like you’re in the driver’s seat. Feel the roaring thunder as these high power super machines race by at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Experience the heart-pounding thrill and excitement of the competition. Come and join us for a day of Speed, Fun, and Sun.

Our catamarans will be positioned at each end of the race course straight. You will have a one-mile view of the super boats approaching at full speed and watch in awe as they make their turn around our catamaran and take off at high speed along the other parallel one mile straight.

Don’t delay! This event is sure to sell out quickly!

Historic Seaport

Located on the corner of Greene St. and Elizabeth St.next to The Conch Republic Seafood Company.

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• Departs 9:00am, 12:30pm & 5:00pm

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• Departs 10:30am & 2:00pm

Visit Two Living Coral Reef Locations

Fury’s Island Adventure Eco Tour

Remote Sanctuary Reserved For Locals

• Departs 10:00am & 3:30pm
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Save up to $25* with code FURY

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Taking Visitors To Key West’s Reefs For Over 70 Years

• Departs 12:00pm, 2:00pm & 6:00pm
• Approx. 2 hrs

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Eco Tour • Snorkel • Kayak • Paddleboard • Sunset Combo Option

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Brand New SeaDoo Jet Skis

• Departs 8:30am-5:30pm

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Tandem + Triple Rides Largest Parasailing Fleet in Key West

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Key West Snorkeling

Start Your Day Aboard Key West’s Most Spacious Catamaran

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Key West Sunset Cruise

Tranquil Ocean Setting

• Departs 6:45pm

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Key West's Largest & Only State Certified Ocean Waterpark • All Activities Included!

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Key West Boat Races: 2022 World Offshore Championships

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

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  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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