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Ahoy Mates! It’s time to clean the bottom and pile on the sails.
The first race of the 39th Annual Schooner Wharf Bar Wrecker’s Cup Race Series is set for Sunday, January 28, 2024. This all-in-fun race series recalls the tradition of the wreckers in the Key West of the 1800’s.
Racers compete in different classes: Classic, Schooner, Multihull, Monohull over 40 feet, Monohull 30 – 39 feet, and Monohull 29′ and Under. Other categories may apply depending on entries. The Wrecker’s fleet consists of 16′ Hobie Cat’s to a John Alden Schooner once owned by General Patton. All sailing vessels, local sailors and visiting yachtsmen are welcome to join the regatta.
The first wrecker to reach the site had the responsibility to save the passengers and crew—but they also won the right to salvage the cargoes. Some historians have written that it was not unusual for 20 or 30 boats to race to a wreck.
The Captains’ Meetings are held in the Sail Loft at Schooner Wharf at 7:00 p.m. the Saturday before each race. Captains enjoy complimentary Pusser’s Rum punch while reviewing race procedures.
The Awards Ceremony & Party is held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, race day. Captains & crew can see themselves under sail while viewing film footage taken of the race by the official race committee boat. Gabriel Wright will be entertaining with current and classic favorites.
Trophies and prizes are earned by the top 3 vessels in 6 to 7 different classes –schooner, multi-hull, classic, monohull 29′ and under, monohull 30-39 feet, monohull 40 feet and possibly a Hobie Cat class!
At the start of the race, the harbor at Key West Historic Seaport and Bight Marina is a magnificent sight, filled with colorful sails and spinnakers on vessels ranging from 16 feet to 120 feet.
For more information, do not hesitate to call Evalena at or Sheree at 305-292-9520.
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