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New Shoreside Venue for Key West
Race Week
--- Race Office and Evening
Parties Move Closer to Duval Street
Change can certainly be good… and
stand by for a great new twist to your January fun!
Warm sunshine, warmer water,
reliable breeze and great racing are what draw racing sailors to
Key West. Shoreside fun that just can’t be found anywhere else
in North America is the bonus. The regulars know - just about
anything goes in Key West. Sloppy Joe's, Schooner Wharf Bar, The
Green Parrot, Hog's Breath, Margaritaville…the hot spots are all
right there. |
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Old Town Key West will continue
as the place to be on the 3rd week of January with “Race Week
Central” now right next to renowned Duval Street and a short 3
1/2 blocks from the previous shoreside location.
Kelly’s Caribbean Bar, Grill &
Brewery will anchor the new venue, along with the quaint wine &
beer bar known as ‘Grunts’. The expansive, tree lined section of
Caroline Street between these two popular establishments
provides plenty of additional space to meet and mingle. The
block between Duval and Whitehead streets will be closed off for
the duration of the event and will become an integral part of
the new race village. |
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The “official” evening party with
the open Mount Gay Rum bar will
again be from 6-8:00PM as in past years, but there’ll be no more
clearing the tent and whisking sailors off site when the clock
strikes 8! New in 2011: sailors can continue
to socialize at the Race Week party venue with cocktails, hors
d’oeuvres and crew dinners all being convenient and attractive
offerings late into the evening.
The Notice of Race identified the
new site location and now with final approvals in hand from the
City of Key West, we’re pleased to unveil some exciting details.
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Convenient to the Historic
Seaport Marina and all the other Old Town marina facilities,
you’ll see that Mallory Square, the Truman Annex, and many of
your favorite restaurants and watering holes are all within
walking distance.
”Change can be a good thing”,
said J/Boat’s Stu Johnstone. “Imagine Mardi Gras and Key West’s
Duval Street combined and that’s what we’re in for next
January”. |
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During the nightly party and
prize giving ceremonies, we’ll take over Kelly’s open courtyard
and upper decks. With plenty of lush tropical plantings and a
great Old Town location, the area will have a true Key West
party atmosphere. Upstairs space can be reserved for one design
class socials and meetings, making for a great gathering spot.
Race Headquarters with the
Official Scoreboards, Notice Boards and Jury Areas will be
located across from Kelly's at the wine & beer bar courtyard
('Grunts') and will be an integral
part of the race village. |
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With fleet totals less than
pre-recession numbers, the “Big Top” venue just isn’t necessary.
There are many real positives to this move, and we’re confident
that race week participants, sponsors and supporters will all
find the change to be welcome and agreeable.
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Kelly’s will remain in full
operation so people can order additional food and beverages as
they choose anytime the establishment is open prior to, during
and after the official Race Week parties. How about a bacon egg
and cheese sandwich fresh off the grill right after your crew
weigh in?
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Parking is convenient and a short walk back down Caroline Street
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The on-site wine & beer bar provides a charming alternative
social area for those who find themselves involved with the jury
or simply looking for a relaxing social area within the
shoreside venue;
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Sponsors will have ample room for their exhibits in 7,500 sq
foot of space and there’s plenty more room for mixing and
mingling on site;
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In the (unlikely) event of inclement weather, there is plenty of
indoor space on both levels at Kelly’s as well as the tented
area in the courtyard and other places on site.
We look forward to seeing you
there!
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A Race Week Access Card will be
required for each person participating in any of the event's
shoreside activities.
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