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UPDATED: SEPT 8, 2010

AFFORDABLE, ACHIEVABLE KEY WEST - Expense Savings and Streamlined Regatta Logistics

 

The Notice of Race, Class Updates and Event Details in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here's information to get you started with your planning. We look forward to hearing from you and hope you'll be joining us in Key West! (Past Results are accessible through the site map.)
 

  

Key West Race Week 2011… less expensive and easier logistics? The short answer is yes.

 

There’s no question that campaigning one's boat for five days at the southernmost point in the continental United States requires careful planning and budgeting. Premiere Racing has taken a number of meaningful steps this year to make a Key West campaign less expensive and easier to execute.   

Perhaps the biggest, positive impact on logistical considerations and expenses is the smaller fleet size – which we won’t take credit for!  Two of the most difficult challenges with a large fleet were finding dockage and affordable housing. Neither is problematic for Race Week 2011. The smaller fleet sizes in recent years have changed this market and more condominiums and houses are available for shorter times and at lower rates. We are encouraging our Host Hotels and Inns to offer special package rates, and they are beginning to make those available.

 

 Race Week Special 10% discounts available at these establishments:

The Eden House in Old Town Key West more info here 

HomeStyleKeyWest - more info here 

Rose Lane Villas - more info here 

 

Additionally, two campgrounds are available for those who bring their own motor homes or tents: Boyd’s and Leo’s.

Anyone considering a Key West campaign next January can learn something from the J/80 class. They proved (19 boats last year) that race week is achievable on a modest budget with careful planning and some creative thinking.

 

Their story is in the NOR and on this page (pdf)

 

While Premiere Racing only has control over a relatively small percentage of campaign costs, we have taken steps to make a difference. Included are:

  • $100 discount for entries received by October 1

  • Elimination of "Cat C" advertising fees

  • 30% discount for Access Cards purchased in advance

  • One boat owner access card included with each entry

  • No PHRF handicap application fees

  • Truman Waterfront Property (TWP) seawall dockage reduced to $1.75/foot

  • 25% discount on TWP ramp launch, trailer storage, drysailing, container & support trailer storage

 

For over 10 years now temporary mobile marina operations at TWP have been available to entrants. Coffin Marine assumed those responsibilities last year and received very strong endorsements from boat owners while charging 10% less than their predecessor. Coffin will hold these prices in 2011 and will also offer special one design packages for those classes that produce 8 or more boats. More details and contact information on the Marinas Page.

 

Premiere Racing has been asking Old Town and Stock Island marinas, vendors, and other establishments to consider reducing rates for race week. We have experienced some successes, and will continue with those efforts in the months ahead. We will post details and updates on our web site in the months leading up to race week. Some examples of race week related services that will cost less in 2011 than in previous years:

  • Homestead Transfer will discount rates for pre-regatta staging and storage between Key West and the Miami Grand Prix ($100/month for 24’ or less; $150/month for larger boats)

  • Currently the least expensive Old Town Key West marina is the Historic Seaport Marina ($3.50/ft and $2.50/ft rafting)

  • Conch Republic Seafood Co. (Old Town dockage) has reduced their slip fees by 20%

  • Robbie’s Maritime Center will offer discounted pre and post regatta staging

  • Discounted dockage at Kings Pointe Marina on Stock Island ($2.50/ft and $2.00/ft rafted – includes ramp launch and haul)

  • Cooky’s Marine Transport is offering a 25% discount on trip permits and 10% off transport paid by December 1

 

Premiere Racing is working to get the Florida Department of Transportation to ease trailer restrictions and expenses. Boat transport through the Keys is a logistical issue for many. We will be working with local authorities on your behalf and will provide updates as we learn more. Information and advisories are posted on our logistics page.

 

Please check back for ongoing updates on cost savings and logistics made easier between now and late fall.