Offshoreonly.com - Despite Wilma, Key West Offshore Races Still Scheduled

I had to double click on the link...unusual, but it worked.

Here's the story:

by Josie Gulliksen
Page(s): 1
(Nov. 01, 2005 - KEY WEST, Florida Keys)... Despite an unwelcome visit from Hurricane Wilma, organizers of the Key West World Championship offshore powerboat races say their event is still scheduled for Nov. 13-20.

Race organizers expect about 80 boats will participate in the event that serves as the culmination of the 2005 racing season for Super Boat International Productions and American Power Boat Association/Union Internationale Motonautique competitors.

"The race is on and there’s a lot of people getting excited about it," said John Carbonell, SBI president. "Everything is exactly as we scheduled it before the storm."

More than 90 percent of the resorts in Key West have already reopened after the storm passed over South Florida and the Keys Oct. 24. Keys tourism officials advise visitors to confirm reservations with their property before traveling to the races.

Commercial air service has resumed to Key West International Airport and the Overseas Highway is open as well. In all, but some isolated cases, electricity and communications have been restored, according to utility spokespersons.

World Championship events begin with a land-based boat parade Sunday, Nov. 13, with trailered boats and their crews rolling down Key West’s famed Duval Street at 4 p.m.

Racing is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 16; Saturday, Nov. 19; and Sunday, Nov. 20. The fleet is to be divided into three separate races each day with starts at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. In between, numerous social events are scheduled for racers and those purchasing special VIP packages.

The 6.5-mile course through Key West Harbor and surrounding waters is what makes Key West one of the premiere racing venues in the world.

On Wednesday and Saturday, Superboat Unlimiteds, Superboats, Super Cats and Super Vees are to complete 7.5 laps. For the final race Sunday, they’ll do 15 laps.

A pass for the week, which includes viewing and admission to the race village/pits area at Truman Annex, is $95 per person. Daily village admission on race days and non-race days is $15 and $5 respectively.

A variety of VIP packages, including lunch during race day and admission to social events, begin at under $200 per person. For complete details and a schedule of events, visit www.superboat.com or call 305-296-6166.

Other recommended viewing areas include Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and various Key West harborfront hotels that line the course.

For accommodations information, call 1-800-LAST-KEY or 305-294-2587.

Boat parade on Duval Sunday afternoon. Anybody want a ride?