Key West is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Florida. With stunning water, relaxing scenery, and a laid-back environment, it’s one of the most envied places to go on vacation. However, there are also some exciting and fast-paced things to do here besides the R&R. Every year in Key West, Race World Offshore (RWO) hosts the Key West Offshore World Championship. These races are at the top of the list of things to do in Key West.
The Powerboat races in Key West are a genuine sight to see and one of the best Key West events to participate in!
What is a Powerboat Race?
A powerboat race is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s where powerboats, also known as speedboats or motorboats, race against one another. However, powerboats are large boats made specially to accelerate to high speeds. The boats racing in this event are in the catamaran classes In offshore racing, the boats race in the oceans, whereas boaters are on a lake or river during inshore racing.
Powerboat racing dates back over 100 years to 1903, Alfred Harmsworth the sport’s inventor. Today, it still stands as a popular pastime, bringing thousands of spectators to Key West each year!
About the Key West Offshore World Championship
Taking place at the Truman Waterfront Park, the Key West Offshore World Championship is a World Championship powerboat racing event. The dates of the racing events are November 6 through November 13, 2022. These events are sanctioned by the American Powerboat Association (APBA) and the Union Internationale Motonautique (UMI), making it an official powerboating event. This year, Performance Boat Center is the official presenting sponsor of the events. With their headquarters in Osage, Missouri, Performance Boat Center and RWO have struck a three-year collaboration.
Some other top sponsors are DoubleTree by Hilton, The Marriott Key West Beachside, Waste Management, the Laureate, Sunoco Fuel, Don Julio, and Captain Morgan, to name a few.
The Key West Offshore Powerboat Races include three days of races and additional events. You’ll witness some of the world’s most experienced and best powerboat racers. One portion of the racing course runs through Key West Harbor, which has very smooth water. This allows the racers to reach speeds upwards of 140 miles per hour. Talk about speed!
The Truman Waterfront Cup will be held on the first day of the races. The first official race starts at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 9, with the Key West Harbor and the Winner Circle presentation taking place at the end of the day’s races. The first day of races concludes after 3:30 and will start again that Friday at 10 a.m. The last day of the races is Sunday, November 13, with the first official race beginning at 10 a.m. All events conclude with a championship concert followed by an awards ceremony.
You can purchase tickets in advance or on-location at Truman Waterfront Park. Admission for a day pass is $25, or you can buy a three-day pass for $53. Children ages 12 and younger are free. You can watch the races from the water if you have your own boat. There will even be a time when Key West Harbor will be open to the public.
Events Surrounding the Race
The Championship doesn’t just have racing events. There are plenty of other events you won’t want to miss while waiting for the first day of races! The events that week start with the annual Duval Street Parade. The boats participating in the races will be on public display. It’s a great way to see the boats up close and at a much slower speed.
Concerts are happening throughout the week before the races and on the days between. Some of the acts that will be performing shows during the week are Reggae Lou & The Kind Budz on Thursday at 5:00 p.m., and Boats & Boots, Eddie Montgomery, Brian Kelley, and John Daly on Saturday at 5 p.m. Rockhouse Live, a local venue, will host a boat party, and Race World Offshore will host a Smokin’ Tuna Welcome party. There will also be opportunities to purchase merchandise and participate in the numerous tent openings!
There will also be several build-a-boat competitions. If you’ve got experience, you can participate as well! Be sure to sign up, so you don’t miss out. There are also many themed parties, like Speed on the Water Sand Bar Bash, Duval & Greene Powerboat Street Party, and Rick’s Good Boy Vodka Party. There is sure to be an activity to suit your style, and, of course, vendors and food will be available every day of the event.
The schedule is packed with parties, concerts, and mingling events. You’ll be busy, and by the end of the week, you’ll know everything about the powerboat races! Get your sunglasses and sunscreen ready as you prepare to hang out in beautiful Key West and immerse yourself in the powerboat races!
Stay with Key West Vacation Homes
The Key West Powerboat Championship is a fantastic event, but after being outside all day and enjoying the festivities, you need a comfortable place to return to recuperate and start the next day. Key West Vacation Homes are the place to stay during your Key West vacation!
Our Key West vacation rentals range from luxurious waterfront homes to cozy tucked-away cottages. They’re perfect for couples, small groups, and families. Surrounded by lush jungles and filled with lots of light, your tropical getaway will juxtapose the racing events in the best way. The available amenities, depending on which rental you book, include access to a private pool, ocean views, access to the historic district, close proximity to the beach, and reserved parking.
Plan Your Key West Vacation!
Planning your dream vacation to Key West doesn’t have to be difficult! When you book with Key West Vacation Homes, planning your ideal vacation is easy! Simply view our luxury Key West rentals, reserve your favorite Key West vacation rental, and prepare for fun!
If you plan only to catch some of the racing events, there are many other activities that you can do in Key West. Several companies offer snorkeling and scuba diving. You can explore the clear waters of the Florida Keys while exploring the marine life and the natural habitat. You can set sail and experience an all-day water adventure that includes snorkeling, or you can do a sunset sail with some wine for a more romantic getaway.
Take a closer look at nature at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory or the Key West Aquarium. Get to know the History of Key West and visit the home of author Ernest Hemingway–Hemingway Home and Museum. You can also visit the Truman Little White House, the house of former president Harry S. Truman.
We have some of the best Key West vacation rentals, all located close to everything you want to do during your vacation. Key West Vacation Homes wants to help you enjoy your vacation while you get to know the area. We can’t wait for you to stay with us and to be your retreat while you experience the Powerboat races!
