Bobcat
11-03-2014, 08:06 AM
Big, fast and loud
Powerboats push the limits in pursuit of a win
BY MANDY MILES Citizen Staff
mmiles@keysnews.com
The Florida Keys have shifted gears, as the latest wave of island arrivals seeks top speeds, not tossed beads.
The final smudges of body paint gave way this week to the bold roar of elite powerboats.
The high-performance vessels turn Key West Harbor into a frothy proving ground as they churn through the 6.2-mile course in hot pursuit of the coveted title: Key West World Champion.
The 34th annual Key West World Championship Races, presented by Super Boat International, cater to speed-loving spectators seeking thrills and excitement similar to the Indy 500 of NASCAR.
But don't say that in front of a powerboat pilot, throttle man, pit crew or fan, who adhere to the strident description that says, "Anything less is NASCAR."
Eight classes of powerboats, including the legendary Superboats, will compete in races scheduled for Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with viewing areas available at Truman Waterfront and harborside hotels.
Part of the championship course is situated within Key West, where the typically flat water gives drivers a chance to reach speeds of more than 140 mph -- and gives spectators the a front-row seat for the action.
But the excitement escalates to fever pitch prior to Wednesday's first race with the opening of the Race Village at Truman Waterfront.
On nonrace days, powerboat enthusiasts can view the sleek high-speed boats, witness in-water test runs and meet the race teams.
Social events for racers and their fans are planned as well, including a Friday night party on Duval Street featuring race boats on display.
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 Mallory Square.
Key Westers have long welcomed the intensity and excitement of the powerboat race teams and their fans, not to mention the accompanying injection of cash into island coffers.
Race teams and spectators enthusiastically fill island hotel rooms, adding an estimated $15 million to the local economy, according to Jessica Bennett, market research director for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
But that doesn't all come from the Super Boat International crowd.
For 22 years, the Florida Power Boat Club has hosted an annual Key West Powerboat Poker Run to coincide with the world championship races.
The Poker Run takes place Tuesday to Nov. 10, with welcome parties and weekend activities for arriving boaters.
The event started with just 20 boats, but has grown to include an estimated 200 to 300 vessels that make the 170-mile trip from Miami to Key West with stops in Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon.
"The 170-mile run from Miami to Key West features calm bay waters and three different speed groups so you and your crew can enjoy the ride best suited for your boat," said Stu Jones, founder of the Florida Power Boat Club and the annual race.
With 300 boats and their associated crew and passengers, the Powerboat Poker Run also has considerable financial impact on the Florida Keys.
The Florida Power Boat Poker Runs have generated considerable income for Keys hotels and restaurants, said TDC Director Harold Wheeler. "They are big spenders and their events definitely benefit several different parts of the Keys. They fill up the seaport area of Key West, so their presence is certainly noticeable."
The powerboat presence and the far-reaching roar of the powerboats are unmistakable in Key West this week.
For information, visit superboat.com or flpowerboat.com.
mmiles@keysnews.com
Powerboats push the limits in pursuit of a win
BY MANDY MILES Citizen Staff
mmiles@keysnews.com
The Florida Keys have shifted gears, as the latest wave of island arrivals seeks top speeds, not tossed beads.
The final smudges of body paint gave way this week to the bold roar of elite powerboats.
The high-performance vessels turn Key West Harbor into a frothy proving ground as they churn through the 6.2-mile course in hot pursuit of the coveted title: Key West World Champion.
The 34th annual Key West World Championship Races, presented by Super Boat International, cater to speed-loving spectators seeking thrills and excitement similar to the Indy 500 of NASCAR.
But don't say that in front of a powerboat pilot, throttle man, pit crew or fan, who adhere to the strident description that says, "Anything less is NASCAR."
Eight classes of powerboats, including the legendary Superboats, will compete in races scheduled for Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with viewing areas available at Truman Waterfront and harborside hotels.
Part of the championship course is situated within Key West, where the typically flat water gives drivers a chance to reach speeds of more than 140 mph -- and gives spectators the a front-row seat for the action.
But the excitement escalates to fever pitch prior to Wednesday's first race with the opening of the Race Village at Truman Waterfront.
On nonrace days, powerboat enthusiasts can view the sleek high-speed boats, witness in-water test runs and meet the race teams.
Social events for racers and their fans are planned as well, including a Friday night party on Duval Street featuring race boats on display.
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 Mallory Square.
Key Westers have long welcomed the intensity and excitement of the powerboat race teams and their fans, not to mention the accompanying injection of cash into island coffers.
Race teams and spectators enthusiastically fill island hotel rooms, adding an estimated $15 million to the local economy, according to Jessica Bennett, market research director for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
But that doesn't all come from the Super Boat International crowd.
For 22 years, the Florida Power Boat Club has hosted an annual Key West Powerboat Poker Run to coincide with the world championship races.
The Poker Run takes place Tuesday to Nov. 10, with welcome parties and weekend activities for arriving boaters.
The event started with just 20 boats, but has grown to include an estimated 200 to 300 vessels that make the 170-mile trip from Miami to Key West with stops in Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon.
"The 170-mile run from Miami to Key West features calm bay waters and three different speed groups so you and your crew can enjoy the ride best suited for your boat," said Stu Jones, founder of the Florida Power Boat Club and the annual race.
With 300 boats and their associated crew and passengers, the Powerboat Poker Run also has considerable financial impact on the Florida Keys.
The Florida Power Boat Poker Runs have generated considerable income for Keys hotels and restaurants, said TDC Director Harold Wheeler. "They are big spenders and their events definitely benefit several different parts of the Keys. They fill up the seaport area of Key West, so their presence is certainly noticeable."
The powerboat presence and the far-reaching roar of the powerboats are unmistakable in Key West this week.
For information, visit superboat.com or flpowerboat.com.
mmiles@keysnews.com