Key West Global Regatta Celebrating 30th Through Friday

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Top-ranked sailors from throughout the world are competing in Quantum Key West Race Week 2017, one of the most prestigious sailing events on the international regatta circuit through Friday.

Quantum Key West Race Week is celebrating its 30th anniversary in the warm waters off America's scenic southernmost city and inside the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef.

With international sailmaker Quantum Sails as title sponsor, the event is the largest in the U.S. for non-Olympic racers, although participants include Olympic aspirants and medalists.

Nearly 600 sailors representing competitors from the America's Cup, Olympic Games, Volvo Ocean Race and other events have gathered in Key West to enjoy fiercely competitive sailing in subtropical waters and stiff Atlantic Ocean breezes. Notable 2017 competitors include past America's Cup and Rolex Yachtsman of the Year winners.

"Quantum Key West Race Week has a sterling reputation as a sailors' regatta, offering some of the most consistent racing conditions of any venue in the world," said John Fisher, regatta chairman. "We have the world's top sailors and the newest and best boats and equipment."

Almost 100 registered boats in nine classes, representing 11 nations, are sailing on three racing circles.

Harbor starts are scheduled at 11 a.m. each day, with racing from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ten races are scheduled per class, and courses are to be determined each day based on wind direction.

Competitors include Bill Hardesty of San Diego, California, winner of 12 world championships, sailing on the 23-foot-long J/70 Flojito y Cooperando; and New York City's Hannah Swett, a past Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year who is to skipper the J/70 Sparkle. The J/70 is the event's largest class with more than 35 entries.

The regatta's top class is the TP 52, which kicks off its 52 Super Series in Key West with 11 boats representing Argentina, England, France, Germany, Russia and the U.S.

The Waterfront Brewery is the event's new headquarters where morning weather briefings, post-race seminars for sailors, festivities and nightly awards celebrations are to be held. Located at 201 William St. in Key West's Historic Seaport, the venue features four big-screen TVs and two projector screens.

Sailing aficionados can view the races on private vessels or book seats on spectator boats such as excursion catamarans and historic tall ships. Prime land-based viewing locations include Key West's oceanfront beaches, restaurants and resorts.

Event information: keywestraceweek.com

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

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