World powerboat championship returns
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Posted - Monday, November 02, 2009 12:10 PM EST
By ANDY NEWMAN
Some of the powerboats hit well over 100 mph.
Top American and international powerboat racing teams are to churn up the waters of Key West Harbor during the Key West World Championship, slated for Nov. 8 through 15.
Boats compete in 14 classes during the season-ending championship series, called by some the Indianapolis 500 of the offshore powerboat racing circuit. Chief among them is the Superboat Unlimited class, drawing large and impressive contenders that can achieve speeds of more than 170 mph.
The Key West World Championship is to kick off with a parade of race boats down Duval Street beginning at 4 p.m. Nov. 8.
The action continues through the week with races Nov. 11, 13 and 15. The course is 6.5 miles through Key West Harbor.
On non-race days, powerboat enthusiasts can view the boats up close and mingle with racers and crews at the race village at the Truman Waterfront, at the end of Southard Street past Thomas Street and Truman Annex.
On race days, spectators can get unparalleled views of the action from grandstand areas on the Truman Waterfront, sitting so close they can practically feel the salt spray as boats thunder by. Other popular viewing areas include waterfront hotels and Mallory Square.
For race details, including a schedule of events and information on all-inclusive VIP spectator packages, visit www.superboat.com.
