Offshore Powerboat Racing World Championships

Powerboat Racing World Parade & Races

***Race Update:

Powerboat Racing Rollover

11/5/25

There was a rollover on the first lap of the Factory Stock class. It delayed the opening day of the 44th annual Race World Offshore World Championships. A powerboat called MF Racing flipped early in the race. It brought out a red flag and forced a restart of the race. One driver was taken to hospital and no further information on the condition of that driver is available as of Wednesday night.

The 2025 Key West Offshore Powerboat Racing World Championship is in full throttle this week, turning the island into a high-octane arena of speed and celebration. After some confusion about where to park the powerboats, either at Bayview Park or at Higgs Beach, both county and city officials worked together to stage the parking area at Higgs Beach. Planning such a huge event is a challenge, but the parking snafu has been fixed.

---

The event roared to life on Sunday, November 2, with the World’s Fastest Boat Parade along Duval Street. This vibrant kickoff united teams, fans, and locals in a dazzling display of racing pride. Now, the action shifts to the water, where the world’s elite offshore powerboat teams are battling it out in a series of races on Wednesday, November 5, Friday, November 7, and Sunday, November 9, each starting at 10:00 a.m. off the Truman Waterfront. The course, set against the stunning backdrop of turquoise waters where the Gulf meets the Atlantic, is renowned as one of the sport’s most challenging and iconic.

Beyond the races, championship week has morphed into a festival-like extravaganza for Key West. Fans are flocking to Truman Waterfront Park for prime viewing spots, while others are boarding spectator boats for front-row seats along the course. The event is also being streamed live on Race World Offshore’s official channels, ensuring the adrenaline rush reaches audiences far and wide.

As the grand finale of the offshore racing circuit, the Key West World Championship is more than just a competition—it’s a tradition that fuses adrenaline, engineering, and island culture. With three full race days still ahead, the week promises to deliver the electrifying spectacle that has made Key West synonymous with world-class powerboat racing.

Update:

Key West Race Course

The History of Powerboat Racing in Key West Key West’s offshore powerboat racing legacy began as a local thrill and has evolved into a globally recognized championship. With its unpredictable waters and fiercely competitive spirit, the island became the proving ground for some of the sport’s most daring racers.

In the 1960s, a handful of Key West locals began racing offshore boats for the sheer adrenaline rush. These early contests were informal, often spontaneous, and fueled by the island’s renegade spirit. By the 1970s, organized races began to emerge, attracting regional competitors and laying the foundation for sanctioned offshore events.

By the late 1980s, Key West had cemented its place in the offshore racing circuit. The 1988 World Championships are still remembered as one of the most intense in history, with dramatic footage capturing the raw speed and fierce rivalries of the era. The island’s geography—where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic—offered unpredictable conditions that tested even the most seasoned racers.

In 1999, the Offshore World Championships became an annual November tradition, drawing elite teams from around the globe. The event spans several days and includes multiple race heats, culminating in a final showdown that crowns the world champion.

Today, the event is organized by Race World Offshore, which has taken over sanctioning duties in recent years. The races feature cutting-edge boats reaching speeds over 140 mph, with classes ranging from Super Stock to Unlimited. Spectators line the harbor, Mallory Square, and Truman Waterfront to witness the high-speed spectacle. Beyond the races, the event includes boat parades, meet-and-greets, and a vibrant vendor village. For locals, it’s more than a sport—it’s a cultural ritual that marks the start of the island’s high season.

Why Key West?

• Geography: The convergence of two oceans creates unpredictable currents and wind conditions.
  

• Legacy: Decades of racing history have cemented Key West’s reputation as the spiritual home of offshore powerboat racing.
  

• Community: Local businesses, artists, and volunteers rally around the event, making it a cornerstone of the island’s cultural calendar.