Offshore powerboat racing is regarded as one of the most spectacular and exciting sports in the world, easily rivaling events like the Daytona 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and the Indianapolis 500. Become part of the ultimate adrenaline rush when the highly competitive races return to Key West once again this November. Here’s everything you need to know about the Key West Offshore World Championship Powerboat Races in 2023 (we answer some frequently asked questions too!).

When are the Key West Powerboat World Championships?

The entire event will take place over eight days on Key West’s waterfront, Nov. 5 - 12, 2023, with the races being held on Wednesday, Nov. 8 (Truman Waterfront Cup), Friday, Nov. 10 (Southernmost Continental Championship), and Sunday, Nov. 12 (Conch Republic Championship). See the schedule below for dates and times.

Where are the Powerboat World Championships in Key West?

The races will take place near Truman Waterfront Park, which is located at the end of Southard Street on Key West’s western shore.

How do you get to Truman Waterfront Park?

Guests of The Gates Hotel can hop on the air-conditioned shuttle to the Key West Historic Seaport (just show the shuttle driver your room key!). Once in Old Town, catch a cab or ridesharing service to Truman Waterfront Park or take the 15-minute walk by trekking south on William Street and taking a right on Southard Street. The park is located at the end of the traffic circle.

What should you bring to the Key West Powerboat World Championships?

Enhance your time at the races by bringing a comfortable folding chair or blanket and a beach umbrella to help shade you from the sun. Sunglasses and sunscreen are helpful too! Food and beverage vendors will be set up along the Outer Mole.

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Where are the Best Places to Watch the Boat Races in Key West?

Capture the boats flying past at top speed on the Outer Mole pier at Truman Waterfront Park. For an added bonus, hop aboard the Fury catamaran for the best viewing. The state-of-the-art catamaran sits literally in the middle of all the powerboat action, with a full liquor bar and light bites served.

[Save big with the Fury Watersports Package when you book your Key West stay with The Gates Hotel and choose from two amazing open water experiences]

Key West Powerboat Races Tickets and VIP Access

General admission to the races will be sold on-site at Truman Waterfront Park ($25 for a single day pass, $53 for a three-day pass; kids 12 and under, military, and veterans are free). Get the VIP Premium Race Experience which includes admission to the races, VIP seating on the Outer Mole, Fury water access from Duval, and a cash bar.

Best Events at the Key West Powerboat Races (Besides the Races)

See the opening ceremony before the festivities begin and the awards and closing ceremonies at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater at Truman Waterfront. Notable events also include nightly racer’s parties at local bars, the World’s Fastest Boat Parade down Duval Street, and the 4th annual Build-A-Boat contest, where teams of 4 - 12 build a boat from scratch with materials provided. Cliff Cody, Key West Kings, Sam Carlson, and Wolf Love Band are set to take the stage at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater for ‘Boats and Boots’ on Saturday. 

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Key West Offshore Powerboat Racing Schedule 2023

We combed the week-long schedule to find the best events we think you’ll love. For a full schedule of events and itinerary for race participants, visit Race World Offshore.

Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

World’s Fastest Boat Parade down Duval Street, 4 p.m.

Hank’s Hair of the Dog Saloon ‘Racers Sunday Funday,’ 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 6, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Race World Offshore Smokin’ Tuna Saloon ‘Racers Welcome Party,’ 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Keys Collection Racer's Party at Sunset Green Event Lawn, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. As a proud Key West Powerboat Races sponsor, join The Gate’s Hotel at Sunset Green Event Lawn as we host this very special event for Race World Offshore fans.

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Truman Waterfront Cup, Race 1, 10 a.m.

Truman Waterfront Cup, Race 2, 10:45 a.m.

Truman Waterfront Cup, Race 3, 12:30 p.m.

Truman Waterfront Cup, Race 4, 1:30 p.m.

Truman Waterfront Cup, Race 5, 2:30 p.m.

Race World Offshore General Horseplay ‘Racers Tomfoolery,’ 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Teasers ‘Race World Pole Position Party,’ 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Speed on the Water and Green Street Party, 7 p.m.

Hog's Breath Saloon ‘Hog's, Boats, and Ghosts World Championship Party,’ 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 10, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Southernmost Continental Championship, Race 1, 10 a.m.

Southernmost Continental Championship, Race 2, 10:45 a.m.

Southernmost Continental Championship, Race 3, 12:30 p.m.

Southernmost Continental Championship, Race 4, 1:30 p.m.

Southernmost Continental Championship, Race 5, 2:30 p.m.

The Marker ‘Crown Royal Poolside Party’, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Race World Offshore Duval and Greene Block Party with your favorite race boats, 7 p.m.

Rick's Upstairs ‘Monster Energy World Championship Party,’ 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Build a Boat Building Contest on the waterfront by USCGC Ingham, 9:30 a.m.

Boat Build Race begins, 11 a.m.

XINSURANCE ‘Boats and Boots Concert’ at Coffee Butter Amphitheater, 5 - 10 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023

Truman Waterfront Race Village, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Conch Republic Championship, Race 1, 10 a.m.

Conch Republic Championship, Race 2, 10:45 a.m.

Conch Republic Championship, Race 3, 12:30 p.m.

Conch Republic Championship, Race 4, 1:30 p.m.

Conch Republic Championship, Race 5, 2:30 p.m.

Race World Offshore World Championship Awards Ceremony at Coffee Butler Amphitheater, 6 - 8 p.m.

Seal the Deal! Book Your Stay at the Conde Nast award-winning The Gates Hotel Key West, one of the Key West Offshore World Championship’s Hotel Partners. Now for a limited time, save up to 25% with our Fall Sale and join us on Nov. 7 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Sunset Green Event Lawn for a special Racer’s Party to meet and mingle with fellow powerboat enthusiasts.