Their proper name is the Race World Offshore Key West World Championships, but folks in Key West just call them “the boat races.”
The high-speed, high-performance, high-dollar competition churned through Key West Harbor for three days of racing in several different categories of powerboats from Nov. 10-14.
The wind and chop prompted a few boats to flip, but no serious injuries were reported.
The week also included special events around town, crowds of spectators at all downtown waterfront viewing spots and a boat parade on Duval Street.
The popular event, presented by Race World Offshore, this year included a new trophy called the Cates Cup, in honor of former Key West mayor, current county commissioner and retired powerboat racer Craig Cates.
LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly