Super Boat World Championships to Test Racers’ Skill in Key West

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — High-speed action and high-level competition are to keep spectators’ adrenaline pumping at the Key West World Championships happening now through Sunday, Nov. 12.

The 37th annual championship series is to feature boats raced by leading American and international teams. Competitors roar over a 4.5-mile-per-lap course that includes Key West Harbor and provides unparalleled viewing for fans of skill and speed.

Boats typically face both rough and calm water conditions during the season-ending event, dubbed the Indianapolis 500 of the offshore powerboat racing circuit. The rigorous course is a primary reason for Key West’s reputation as one of the world’s top racing venues.

The spectator-friendly course layout means boats sometimes thunder past within 50 yards of fans, enabling them to almost feel the salt spray as racers jockey for position.

The competition builds through the week with races Wednesday, Nov. 8; Friday, Nov. 10; and Sunday, Nov. 12. Races are scheduled at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on all three days with most featuring boats from multiple classes. 

On nonrace days, powerboat enthusiasts can view the boats, watch in-water testing runs and mingle with racers and crews at the race village on Key West’s Truman Waterfront, which lies beyond the end of Southard Street past Thomas Street and Truman Annex. 

General-admission tickets are available, as are all-inclusive VIP spectator passes for the Truman Waterfront grandstands and hospitality tent. 

Other popular viewing areas include waterfront hotels and Key West’s Mallory Square. 

Event information: superboat.com

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

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