Key West Yacht Race Week - The Beginning of the International Sailboat Racing Winter Season
Key West weather is phenomenally glorious in the winter months and is the peak of our tourist season.
Warm tropical breezes also make it a world-famous sailing destination and like a pilgrimage, sailboats of all sizes and types make their way to the tiny island every year.
Fly into the Key West Caribbean-style airport on any given day in January, and you're treated to a magnificent down-look view of the hundreds of sailboats moored and docked in the turquoise waters around the island.
During the second week of every January, some of the best and big-name professional sailors in the world gather to compete.
Staged off-shore, in the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, the world-class event draws sail racing champions and America's Cup veterans from all over the globe.
The 25th anniversary of the International Key West Yacht Premier Racing week, is ready to go for January 2012.
For sailing buffs, the international sailing yacht race week in January is synonymous with the beginning of the winter sailing season, and the spirit of the global sailing community comes alive with this regatta.
In the Florida, an energetic precursor to the event is the annual Fort Lauderdale-to-Key West yacht race that begins on the Wednesday, prior to the Saturday start date for the International Key West Yacht Race.
An impressive collection of more than 40 plus sailboats, with their hearty-hearted crews, race the 160 mile course down the South Florida seaboard to the Key West Historic Seaport, where many will remain for the alluring yacht race week.
Once the racing begins, spectators are treated to an impressive line-up of J/ Boats.
Spectators expect to see J/35s, and some new J/11s.
J/80 Class boats, which are reported to have enjoyed growth in despite the downturn in the world economy, have enjoyed a continually strong showing.
The regatta also expects to see the Farr 30s, which have a long history in the Premier Racing event, but did skip a year to reorganize in 2011.
Old Town and the Historic Seaport come alive the second week in January with the international racing event with entertaining activities both on and off the water.
Racing boats are generally staged on the hard in the old Navy Mole, behind Truman Annex Neighborhood where it may be possible to get a closer look at these magnificent machines.
The Key West Historic Seaport, which is also a supporter of the event, is the host of big tents for the participants, and the bustling harbor-walk literally teams with excitement during the week.
Favorite extracurricular indulgences include fine dining at the island's amazing restaurants and over-the-top night life.
Touring historic neighborhoods with grand wooden gingerbread Victorian homes built by turn-of-the-century ship builders in the Historic Seaport Neighborhood is also a big draw.
A select number of these homes and estates are available to rent as exclusive vacation rentals and many are utilized by the yacht racing teams and race boat owners.
January is a fantastic month to visit Key West, for sailors and 'landlubbers' alike.
Warm tropical breezes also make it a world-famous sailing destination and like a pilgrimage, sailboats of all sizes and types make their way to the tiny island every year.
Fly into the Key West Caribbean-style airport on any given day in January, and you're treated to a magnificent down-look view of the hundreds of sailboats moored and docked in the turquoise waters around the island.
During the second week of every January, some of the best and big-name professional sailors in the world gather to compete.
Staged off-shore, in the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, the world-class event draws sail racing champions and America's Cup veterans from all over the globe.
The 25th anniversary of the International Key West Yacht Premier Racing week, is ready to go for January 2012.
For sailing buffs, the international sailing yacht race week in January is synonymous with the beginning of the winter sailing season, and the spirit of the global sailing community comes alive with this regatta.
In the Florida, an energetic precursor to the event is the annual Fort Lauderdale-to-Key West yacht race that begins on the Wednesday, prior to the Saturday start date for the International Key West Yacht Race.
An impressive collection of more than 40 plus sailboats, with their hearty-hearted crews, race the 160 mile course down the South Florida seaboard to the Key West Historic Seaport, where many will remain for the alluring yacht race week.
Once the racing begins, spectators are treated to an impressive line-up of J/ Boats.
Spectators expect to see J/35s, and some new J/11s.
J/80 Class boats, which are reported to have enjoyed growth in despite the downturn in the world economy, have enjoyed a continually strong showing.
The regatta also expects to see the Farr 30s, which have a long history in the Premier Racing event, but did skip a year to reorganize in 2011.
Old Town and the Historic Seaport come alive the second week in January with the international racing event with entertaining activities both on and off the water.
Racing boats are generally staged on the hard in the old Navy Mole, behind Truman Annex Neighborhood where it may be possible to get a closer look at these magnificent machines.
The Key West Historic Seaport, which is also a supporter of the event, is the host of big tents for the participants, and the bustling harbor-walk literally teams with excitement during the week.
Favorite extracurricular indulgences include fine dining at the island's amazing restaurants and over-the-top night life.
Touring historic neighborhoods with grand wooden gingerbread Victorian homes built by turn-of-the-century ship builders in the Historic Seaport Neighborhood is also a big draw.
A select number of these homes and estates are available to rent as exclusive vacation rentals and many are utilized by the yacht racing teams and race boat owners.
January is a fantastic month to visit Key West, for sailors and 'landlubbers' alike.
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