Numbers down

But a quality fleet is still set to compete at Key West 2010

Serious racing sailors from across the U.S. and around the world are heading to the southernmost island in the United States - beautiful, tropical Key West.

Key West 2010, presented by Nautica will take place over 18-22 January and will be the 23rd edition of this prestigious international regatta.

The first entry deadline is not until December 18 and over 130 IRC, One Design and PHRF boats from more than 20 US states and 12 different countries are currently represented. While the global recession continues to impact the overall fleet numbers for this and other travel regattas, the quality of the competition and the enthusiasm of the Key West participants is as strong as ever.

Terry Hutchinson, tactician for reigning Farr 40 World Champion Jim Richardson, is eager to get to Key West. "Race Week provides Barking Mad with the chance to check in with our competition prior to our 2010 world championship in the Dominican Republic. At this event last year we set a plan in place to be successful in Porto Cervo. Having a playing field like Key West quickly helps us identify areas of strength and weakness to improve on before April." The 2008 Rolex Yachtsman of the year added: "It is a great way to start the New Year!"

With Farr 40s from Italy, Monaco, Germany, Denmark, Canada, California, the US East Coast and Great Lakes, this Grand Prix class boasts more entries this year than last.

J/105s and J/80s are also seeing an increase in their numbers. Defending J/105 Key West Champion Brian Keane’s Savasana (Marion, Mass) will face Key West regulars and new comers alike. The J/80 Mid-Winters at Key West are the beginning of their East Coast tour, which will culminate in their worlds in October. Class President Kristen Robinson credits much of this class’ successful turnout to the fact that all are truly friends who enjoy seeing each other at the events. There is great competitiveness on the water, but also camaraderie ashore.

Other strong classes are the always highly competitive Melges 24 and 32 classes. The Melges 32s just completed their Gold Cup and with at least 15 of those boats joining others in Key West, there will be plenty of opportunities for southernmost rematches and changes in podium positions.

A new multihull handicap class with feature the Key West debut of the Corsair Sprint 750, the 2007 Sailing World Sportboat of the year. The Corsair 28Rs, which first participated in Key West in 2002 as a one design class, will be represented as well.

IRC 1 racing will prove interesting again this year. Sir Irvine Laidlaw’s new Wally 82 Highland Fling XI (Monaco) and Hap Fauth’s well travelled Reichel Pugh 69 Bella Mente (Newport, RI) are the big boats in class along with four highly competitive TP52s.

The new Mark Mill’s designed Summit 35 is making its Key West debut. Charlie Milligan and Bill Titus’ Act One (Newport, RI) is a Sailing World Boat of the Year nominee in the performance-oriented models category.

This is John Chick’s 15th pilgrimage from Chicago and he stated: "There is no better place to be in the middle of January”. He and his partners Jeff Diemand and Mike Elam have shared four different boats over the years. They’ll be racing their Mariah 27 Bad Dog in one of Key West’s traditional mainstays - PHRF, which will have three classes.

"With virtually no local boats at this event, it’s a travel regatta for nearly all of our entrants," said Event Director, Peter Craig. "Given the on-going uncertainty and instability with the global economy, there are many racing owners that understandably were unable make the Key West commitment this time around, as was also the case last January. Fortunately, there are more than enough to provide great class racing in a venue that offers what racing sailors around the world are looking for."

All the pieces are in place - top tier competition, professional race management, reliable breeze, warm temperatures and a unique post-racing social scene. It’s all on for the 23rd edition of this mid-winter classic.

Full entry list here

Premiere Racing is pleased to present this year’s Key West sponsors. The roster includes: Presenting Sponsor Nautica, with Nautica Watches the Official Timekeeper; and Day Sponsors Lewmar, Official Marine Hardware, Mount Gay® Rum, Official Rum, and Sperry Top-Sider, Official Footwear. The Supporting Sponsors are B&G, Official Marine Electronics, Marlow Ropes, Official Rope; and SLAM, Official Technical Gear

Key West Race Week is also supported by The Florida Keys & Key West Tourism Council, which recognizes the importance of having a world-class, international regatta in Key West every year. The Historic Seaport at the Key West Bight is the Official Site.

The Ocean Key Resort and Spa is the Official Hotel.

Thirty Four Industry Partners bring their support through a program that is now in its 9th year. Learn more about the Industry Partners and the Program on the event web site.