39th Annual Schooner Wharf Bar Wreckers Cup Race Series 2024
No protests, no pageantry, just race with us – or against us!
Wrecker’s Race 2024 Release Form and Entry Form – coming soon or register online: ONLINE ENTRY FORM
The much anticipated first race of the Schooner Wharf Bar Wrecker’s Cup Race Series is scheduled for Sunday, January 28 at 1:00 p.m. The course is 7 miles from Key West Harbor to Sand Key, re-enacting the ancient wrecking tradition of Key West…a series of ruthless one way races to the reef to claim the booty.
This all-in-fun race series recalls the tradition of the wreckers in the Key West of the 1800’s. Vessels laden with rich cargoes from Gulf and Caribbean ports often became victims of storm and the unmarked reefs off Key West.
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 race start Key West harbor is a magnificent sight, filled with colorful sails and spinnakers on vessels ranging from 16 feet to 120 feet.