2017 32nd Annual Schooner Wharf Bar Wrecker’s Cup Race Series

The much anticipated first race of the Schooner Wharf Bar Wrecker’s Cup Race Series is scheduled for Sunday, January 29th at 1:00 p.m.   The course is 7 miles from Key West Harbor to Sand Key, re-enacting the ancient wrecking tradition of Key West…a series of ruthless one way races to the reef to claim the booty.

This all-in-fun race series recalls the tradition of the wreckers in the Key West of the 1800’s.  Vessels laden with rich cargoes from Gulf and Caribbean ports often became victims of storm and the unmarked reefs off Key West.

The first wrecker to reach the site had the responsibility to save the passengers and crew—but they also won the right to salvage the cargoes. Some historians have written that it was not unusual for 20 or 30 boats to race to a wreck.

The Captains’ Meetings are held on the upper deck of Schooner Wharf at 7:00 p.m. the Saturday before each race.  Captains enjoy complimentary Pusser’s Rum punch and Schooner Wharf Galley hors d’oeuvres while reviewing race procedures.

The Awards Ceremony & Party is held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, race day.  The popular Wreckers BBQ is served to captains & crew while they view film footage taken of the race by the official race committee boat and dance to the popular rhythmic steel drum sound of the Island Time Duo!

Trophies and prizes are earned by the top 3 vessels in 6 classes –schooner, multi-hull, classic, monohull under 30 feet, monohull 30-39 feet and monohull 40 and over.  At the race start Key West harbor is a magnificent sight, filled with colorful sails and spinnakers on vessels ranging from 16 feet to 120 feet.

This original nautical event is another creation of Schooner Wharf Bar owners, Evalena and Paul Worthington, and is enjoyed by visiting yachters, local private boats and Key West charter vessels.  You don’t need a boat of your own to participate, book passage and crew on one of the charter boats in the Wreckers’ fleet.

2017 Race Dates are Sunday, January 29 – February 26 – March 26 and April 30.  Come join the fun.  Fair Winds and Full Holds — Wreck Ashore!

For information please call 292-3302. Visit SchoonerWharf.com or join us on Facebook.

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