Sports fans with a need for speed can satisfy it at the Key West World Championship powerboat races set through next Sunday in Key West waters.
The 35th annual championship series is to feature boats raced by leading American and international teams roaring over a 6.2-mile course that includes Key West Harbor.
Boats typically face both rough and calm water conditions during the season-ending event, dubbed the Indianapolis 500 of the offshore powerboat racing circuit. The course layout means boats can sometimes pass within 50 yards of fans, enabling them to experience the pulse-pounding action in a unique close-up manner.
The Key West World Championship was scheduled to kick off with a parade of race boats down Duval Street Sunday.
Races are Wednesday, Friday and next Sunday/ Races are scheduled at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. all three days and each features boats from multiple classes.
Among spectators' favorites are the Superboat and Superboat Unlimited classes, which draw powerful contenders competing at speeds that can reach 140 and 150 mph, respectively.
On non-race days, powerboat enthusiasts can view the boats, watch in-water testing runs and mingle with racers and crews at the race village on Key West's Truman Waterfront beyond the end of Southard Street past Thomas Street and Truman Annex.
In addition, parties are planned for racers and fans.
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 Key West's Mallory Square.
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