You do not have to be a sailor to enjoy Key West Race Week, which is held late January and the perfect time to be on the island. If you simply enjoy a holiday where the weather is historically perfect, beaches are not overly crowed and the nightlife is fit for any age: this is the place to be. If you love to sail, again, this is the place to be.
Top Five Things To Do In Key West During Race Week
If you make it to the island during this fantastic event, whether racing or on holiday, here are a few things not to miss. All the details can be found at the Key West Official Tourism Site.
- Catch The Sunset: This may seem obvious, however it is easy to miss.
- Get Your Picture Taken At The Southern Most Point: The closet one may ever get to Cuba, which is 90 miles away from this historical land-mark.
- Butterfly And Nature Conservancy: It is a lovely experience.
- Walk The Docks: If you start by the Ferry terminal and follow the boardwalk that wraps around the Historic Seaport, you will find the bulk of the Key West Race Participants are docked here.
- Check Out The Green Parrot Bar: At 601 Whitehead Street, wandering around this bar during race week will have you meeting and greeting many of the "yachties" (an affectionate term for those who sail) who call this bar home after a long day of racing.
The Red Mount Gay Hats
During this week, guest to the island will notice a large number of people meandering about with a red baseball cap. Occasionally, a pink one will stand out in the crowd; it was once red, but the owners of these famous hats will wear them as religiously as one puts on a pair of under-ware. Mount Gay Rum is one of the event's supporting sponsors and distributes a select number of hats to participating teams for their crew who sail in the event.
Historically, the only way to acquire one of these hats is to sail in a Mount Gay event. They can not be found in any retail shop, though many a hat has been sold for top dollar. Amongst the sailing community it is relatively respected that you have to sail to earn one.
Sailing In Key West Race Week
If you love to sail, have landed in Key West during this event, swing through the event's race village located on the corner of Caroline and Margaret Street. You'll be unable to miss it. The set up is very similar to a Big Top circus! Once you enter into the Village there are boards posted with notices of teams who are looking for crew. Another consideration is purchasing a ticket for the evening tent party and mingle with sailors over the supplied Rum beverages. This information will be available in the race village.
How To Spectate The Racing
Finally, a day on the water to simply watch the racing is another great option. There are many charter boat services available and options can include fishing, simple site seeing and picnic style cruises. One can be out on-the-water for the day or choose something shorter; fitting in as much Key West fun as possible.
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