PHRF Innovations and Enthusiastic Owners Ready for Quantum Key West Race Week 2015

Ken Johnson began his 2015 sailing year by skating around Lake Kegonsa in sub-zero temperatures. Johnson’s Nite iceboat can do 60 miles per hour in the right conditions so it was fun, but boy was it cold! Johnson was more than happy to escape the arctic chill of Wisconsin for the sunny skies and warm temperatures of Key West, where he will compete in the 28th annual race week for the first time since 2009. Johnson completed the long drive to the southernmost tip of the United States on Monday night and by the next morning was aboard his C&C 121 Grateful Red, which was berthed at Historic Seaport. “Last week I was sailing on ice. Right now, I’m worried about the ice melting in my rum drink,” Johnson said as he leisurely began preparing his boat for Quantum Key West 2015.

Speed, Power and Excitement heading to Quantum Key West Race Week — 28th Edition begins January 18

High-speed foiling catamarans, powerful 72-foot Maxi yachts, innovative High Performance Racing designs and large classes of exciting sport boats are heading to the Florida Keys. Quantum Key West Race Week 2015 will once again showcase the full spectrum of sailboat racing amid the beautiful setting of aqua-colored waters and warm sunshine. Many of the world’s best sailors will come to the Conch Republic for the 28th edition of Key West Race Week, being held Jan. 18-23. For the fourth consecutive year, Quantum Sail Design Group will serve as title sponsor of the iconic event, which is organized by Premiere Racing.

Final Day Drama and Very Happy Sailors at Quantum Key West 2014

Key West, Florida Keys — There was plenty of final day drama at Quantum Key West 2014 as the winners of several classes were determined during the last race. And conditions could not have been better for those winner-take-all scenarios with the southernmost point of the United States delivering the strongest winds of the regatta. North-northeasterly breezes in the 18-24 knot range made for some spectacular racing on all three courses and enabled all 10 classes to complete 10 races for the five-day event.

Another Action Packed Week of Racing at Quantum Key West 2014

Key West, Florida Keys — It’s been said the only certain things in life are death and taxes. Oh, and a full week’s worth of racing in Key West. Time has proven the latter is almost as guaranteed as the two more ominous events, and a heck of a lot more fun!

Fantastic Key West Sailing Conditions on Mount Gay Rum Day

Broad smiles and weary bones usually means a successful day on the water for sailboat racers. There was plenty of both on the docks around the Conch Republic on Wednesday after organizers of Quantum Key West 2014 completed three races in strong winds.

Rain Can’t Stop the Racing at Quantum Key West 2014

Rain squalls and wind shifts couldn’t put a damper on the competition during Day 2 at Quantum Key West 2014. Multiple storm bands that were quite severe at times challenged the race committees and forced delays. Ultimately, perseverance and patience paid off as Division 1 completed a race while Divisions 2 and 3 got in two each.

Quantum Key West 2014 Begins Under Sunny Skies and Light Breezes

A warm and sunny Monday morning greeted the sailors at Quantum Key West 2014. The light and shifty winds meant a 90 minute delay and time for more coffee and conversation. The voice of Race Officer Dick Neville announcing a planned start was a welcome relief as it meant there would be competition on opening day.

Ready to Race at Quantum Key West 2014

Some of the world’s finest professional sailors will be crewing for captains of industry in the 52 (IRC 2) class, which is one of the headliners at Quantum Key West 2014.

Key West Race Week’s Sponsors – An All Star Line Up

The 27th edition of “Key West Race Week” is ready to begin and there’s no better way to start than by acknowledging and thanking the sponsors. Key West sponsors have always been one of race week’s critical success factors. Premiere Racing would like to take this opportunity to highlight their loyalty and support.

Key West Race Week — Delivering Excellence for 27 Years

Quantum Key West 2014 is gearing up for its trademark full week of racing on the aqua-colored waters off the coast of the Conch Republic. From the professional-laden 52 Class to top tier club-oriented programs in the PHRF classes, this midwinter classic offers something for everyone.

Countdown to Key West — Quantum Key West 2014 Begins January 19

Racing teams from across the country and around the world are getting ready to compete in the waters off America’s southernmost city during the 27th annual Key West Race Week, scheduled Sunday through Friday, Jan. 19-24.

Key West Fleet Taking Shape — Sea Stories in the Making

Strong programs from across the U.S. and around the world have already submitted their entries to Quantum Key West 2014. The first entry deadline is a month away and the scratch sheet grows daily as people make their January plans for Key West and the Florida Keys.

In Memoriam

Premiere Racing lost three long-time, valuable members of its race committee team over the course of 2012. Peter Craig, Jeanne Kleene and everyone else associated with the annual race week off Key West mourned the deaths of Arthur “Tuna” Wullschleger, Richard “Dick” Chesebrough and Dave Shaffer. “It was an unusual and sad offseason for Premiere […]

J/80: A long time presence, looking ahead to 2014

This is an abnormal year for the J/80 class, typically one of the largest in Key West. Due to the vagaries of the class schedule and some competition from the new J/70, there are only four J/80 one-designs competing at Quantum Key West 2013. Event chairman Peter Craig sees that as an anomaly and has […]

Epic Week of Racing at Quantum Key West 2013

— Five Days of Strong Winds Thrill Sailors Key West, Fla — It wasn’t hard to figure out who the winners were upon conclusion of Quantum Key West 2013. Andrea Pozzi and the Italian sailors aboard Bombarda were passing around bottles of champagne. Jim Richardson and the boys on Barking Mad were drinking a tray […]

Spectacular Conditions Shine at Quantum Key West 2013

— World Class Competition Continues on Day Four Key West, Fla — With four days of racing complete, it is not difficult to identify the stars of Quantum Key West 2013: The sun and the wind! Even the most veteran sailors have been amazed by the fact every day of the regatta has brought spectacular […]

“Moving Day” at Quantum Key West 2013

Key West, Fla — Wednesday has always been critical at this annual race week off the Florida Keys. By the time Wednesday is complete, the racing is usually more than half over. Event veterans have even given it the moniker of “moving day.” This year, Wednesday brought what is predicted to be the strongest winds […]

Strong Winds Challenge Crews at Quantum Key West 2013

There were a lot of weary bones, aching muscles and exhausted bodies over at The Galleon Dock and Truman Annex on Tuesday afternoon. That’s because the sailors on Division 2 of Quantum Key West 2013 completed three races on the second day of the 26th annual regatta. Competitors in the Melges 24, Melges 32 and […]