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Campaigning one's boat - no matter how small - for a full week in the southernmost point in the United States is not an inexpensive proposition.
However, the perception that one has to have a maxi-boat budget to enjoy one of the ultimate experiences in sailboat racing, is dispelled by the boat owners who have been sharing their ideas with us over the years.
The majority makeup of the Key West fleet is not 70 foot sleds, Farr 40s and IMS 50 footers who may stay in 5-star hotels and fly first class.
Over 60% of the 321 boat fleet in 2002 had an LOA of 30 feet or less with 112 of these boats under 27 feet in length. These one design and PHRF classes feature some of the most competitive racing in Key West, and at the risk of stating the obvious, a smaller boat translates into fewer crew and proportionally less expenses across the board.
How does the boat owner on a budget make this alluring event part of his or her racing calendar? Start by thinking out of the box.
2002 first timer, Jeff Bright, a 36-year old flight instructor from Pensacola FL, recruited other J/29 owners he normally races against to pool resources and make the regatta affordable. Racing with crew and or fellow owners willing to share expenses is a common and effective angle for Key West
owners.
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Tips
from the Accommodations Center:
Believe
it or not it is possible… Here are some different ways to accommodate
your crew for Key West as affordably as possible.
A Crew of 4 can stay at the luxurious
Sheraton
Suites for less than $400 per person including taxes for a week. The
accommodations will include a one-bedroom suite with microwave, small
fridge and wet bar area. 4
beds including a roll-away. This price will also include free
transportation back and to from Old Town Key West.
A Crew of 6 can also stay at the
1800
Atlantic Condominiums for less than $400 per person. This will include a 2 bedroom 2-bath
fully equipped condominium with a Full Kitchen. The Kitchen is such a
benefit when trying to keep costs down, as you can cook in and make
lunches to take with you. Eating out all the time for a team can get
expensive.
If you like the convenience of Old Town why not choose one
of our Charming
Bed & Breakfasts. For example
you can accommodate a crew of up to 6 at the
Cypress House just 1 block from the Tent for as little as $365 per
person for two rooms that share a bathroom. All Rooms have small
refrigerators so you can keep snacks cool. You can start the day with a
Continental Breakfast and end it with their social hour all included in
the price.
LEARN
MORE....
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"You can count on Rhumb Punch for Key West this year and years to come.
It is the last one off our schedule! We are a split expenses effort rather
than owner pay all (so money is not a problem). NOOD regattas are okay but they
are not Key West quality. They should not be compared as similar buys".
Linda and John Edwards
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Accommodation services work with every budget and Key West has a
wider variety of options and prices than many imagine.
Seek accommodations within walking distance or which offer a
complementary shuttle. (Speaking of complementary - don't forget the
places that offer breakfasts). |
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We all miss the airfare bargains of the past, but there are
still ways to save here. Travel bureaus and online services are
eager to help you find a good deal. A round trip flight from
anywhere in the U.S. to Miami, Ft Lauderdale or Ft Myers is
substantially cheaper than one that includes the connector to Key
West.
Your crew can get an inexpensive car rental to and from Key
West and save significant airfare - the layover and flight time
nearly add up to the drive time (3-1/2 hour drive from Miami).
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The adventurous seek out the local campgrounds.
Bicycles and scooters are primary means of transport for many
sailors in Key West.
Some one design classes make arrangements for package deals at Marinas or for boat services. Negotiate a group deal for your class or entries from your local area. The Truman Annex Navy Basin offers inner seawall space at very reasonable prices. |
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More and more, there are crews willing to share in the costs of a Key West campaign. Lunches and a special team dinner during the week and then "on your own" works for many owners. Groceries and eateries with reasonable prices are easy to find.
The
Scuttlebutt crew board fills up with people looking to crew and willing to share expenses. Some even offer to share their local homes or accommodations. Be sure to check it out. |
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Bruce Bingman, a Mumm 30 owner from Annapolis, Maryland has carefully worked out Key West
trailering specifics and his recommendations include borrowing a trailer, ensuring permits are in order to avoid surprise fines, and even tucking a few cases of low cost beverages and supplies in the boat ahead of time.
Key West regular Kerry Klingler and his J/80 crew keep expenses down by seeking
lower priced hotels near Stock Island where his boat is moored. "All we need is a place to sleep - it doesn't have to be fancy." After all, the island is only 3 miles long so Race Headquarters and the Duval Street nightlife are always within striking distance. |
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From the Sailing World web site - Posted by Rob Lehnert on February 02, 1999 at 15:54:10:
In Reply to: Thanks. I'm curious, Steve, what you're missing? posted by John Burnham on February 02, 1999 at 14:03:06:
"What a bargain! Compared to going to a regatta like Block Island Race
Week, Key West was a bargain. Our boat, a Tripp 26 - LUNATIC FRINGE, is owned by my brother Bill & I. Whenever we go away with the boat, the team
shares all of the living expenses. Excluding the boat (sails, hardware,
etc.) from the expenses, We found the Key West Race Week was cheaper than Block Island Week.
"Broken down among 6 people, it came to $400 a head. That included, a condo
at the Truman Annex, all food in the condo & on the boat, party tent bracelets. Not bad for a week in the sun.
"On top of that, Bill & I picked up the race entry fee, & fuel for the car,
crew gear (t-shirts, etc.) All total, it was about a $1000. Still not bad for a week in Jan.
"This was our first time at Key West Race Week, but on adding up the # comparing it to the last 4 years at Block Island Race Week, this was
cheaper. Hell, by the time we're finished with lunch, beer, and a round of
drinks at the bar after the race, it still costs about $100 to race on a Sun. afternoon locally.
"I think everyone should stop crying about the cost of these regattas. Anyone with so much as a J-24 can race. You don't need a big hi-tech boat.
The competition in PHRF is still better than anything at home on Eastern
Long Island. If you need any info for your article, please drop me a line.
Thanks, Rob" |
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Please send us your experiences and tips and we'll post them as well.
And one more thing..... enter before December 10 and save the late fee.
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