The annual Wirth M. Munroe Ocean Race is among the oldest regattas in North America and one of four events in the Islands in the Stream regatta series. First sailed in 1957 and named for the renowned Miami naval architect, the Wirth M. Munroe pits skippers and their crews against the vagaries of the Gulf Stream and the early winter frontal systems along Florida's southeastern coast. The race, sailed the first Friday in December, is affectionately known by participants as the "Race to the Buffet," a nod to the sponsoring Sailfish Club of Florida's legendary seafood dinner, reception and awards ceremony offered to all skippers and their crews.  

The Wirth M. Munroe has a rich history. In 1957, members of the Cruising Club of America's Florida Station, led by Dick Bertram, wanted to give racing yachts arriving from the north a shakedown event for the Southern Ocean Racing Conference series held in January and February. The Miami-to-Palm Beach event attracted large fleets and sailing’s superstars, quickly establishing it as a favorite on the big-boat southern swing. In the 1960s, the Sailfish Club of Florida became a co-sponsor, and the post-race seafood buffet at its Palm Beach clubhouse became a “must” for skippers and their crews.

In the early 2000’s, in an effort to generate participation across a broader spectrum of boats, the original course was shortened to a 40-miler from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach. In honor of the 60th anniversary of the race in 2016, the Sailfish Club, in partnership with the Storm Trysail Club, reinstated the Miami to Palm Beach course. Two years later, the current two-course format was introduced, drawing strong and diverse fleets, from ocean racing machines, to racer-cruisers to coastal cruisers. The Organizing Authority includes the Sailfish Club and the Storm Trysail Club, along with the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club. Race management support is provided by all three clubs along with the SORC. The Wirth M. Munroe Race is one of four events in the SORC Islands in the Stream regatta series, which includes the Nassau Cup Race from Miami to Nassau, the Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race, and the Miami to Eleuthera Race.