The long running ‘Request for Proposal’ saga as to who will host Offshore Powerboat Racing at Key West, would appear to have come to an end with the news that Race World Offshore has been awarded a 5 year contract by the City’s Commissioners.

Race World Offshore submitted a Request for Proposal to stage the event after John Carbonell’s SBI 5-year contract to run races in Key West expired after last November’s races.

Powerboat P1 / OPA also threw their hat into the ring, although in March, Race World Offshore’s bid gained a higher score than their rivals as judged by the Key West Ranking Committee.

After a meeting in Key West yesterday, Race World Offshore President, Larry Bleil was informed by the City’s Commissioners that his bid had now officially been confirmed and he commented after:

This whole process has taken so long and it spilled over into the second quarter of 2019.

I am so happy it is over so we can get on with things.

Now, we can finally roll out our plans and talk about this season.

The ‘World’s Fastest Boat Parade’ on Duval Street will signal the start of the event on Sunday November 3rd.

The event will officially be opened at the Truman Waterfront Park Amphitheater on Tuesday November 5th with 3 days of racing on the 6th, 8th and 10th.

The races will be of a similar format to previous years with new trophies to be awarded including the Truman Waterfront Cup and the Southernmost Continental Champion.