2009 Key West Race Week Animated Slideshow

This is a must see.

See our Thursday highlights and all the other photos here.

Key West at its best

We couldn't ask for anything more today, with sun and wind in our favor and another great day of racing action. Our focus was on Division 1- Farr 40s, IRC 1, IRC 2, Swan 42s, and F30 classes.

The photos are a must see.

There will be some interesting changes in positions after today's racing, but there are still two more days.
Considering that last
year's Key West Race Week only had three days of racing due to bad weather, we're appreciating the extra days this year.

See the photos from Key West Race Week 2009 here.

Key West action: Tuesday

Speed was the word of the day today, as proven by many a Melges with a big wake. The day started off with a 48-knot gust, measured from the docks in front of the Half Shell Raw Bar. Had that continued, racing would have been cancelled, but we were fortunate to see those gusts pass through early in the day. Out on the race course, a consistent 20 knots helped produce some great action and we had another day of interesting Key West Race Week photos. See them here.

Key West Race Week 2009 - Day 1

From a photographer's perspective, 2009 Acura Key West Race Week had a very interesting start. With a stormy morning complete with squalls and diffused light, and a signature Key West sunny afternoon, we saw almost every type of light on the spectrum. See the photos here.

The racing was competitive and the wind was good- it was a great start to a Key West Race Week.

Though the number of boats participating is down about 40% this year, the competition is up and there is still plenty of action to photograph.

We've got 2500 great shots from Monday and are looking forward to showing them- and all the others from the week- at Schooner Wharf Bar on Thursday.

Please visit the PhotoBoat Regatta Gallery to see Monday's highlights now, and check back later in the week to view all of the 2009 Key West Race Week photos sorted by boat name.

Key West Race Week 2008 Slide Show

Here is a sample of some of the photos from last year.

PhotoBoat on Facebook

We created a PhotoBoat.com group on Facebook a while ago; our friends have shown their support for us and we've met some new sailors along the way. For Facebook users, you can view it at the link below, or search PhotoBoat.com .

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=33330859421

Our latest posting is an invitation to hang out at Schooner Wharf Bar on Thursday, January 22nd starting at 8 pm and see our 2009 Key West Race Week photos. We're looking forward to our third Key West Race Week; it's certain to bring more good wind, green water, and on-shore fun.

The Best and Worst of 2008

The votes are in and the HR department has finally finished tallying them...it's time to announce the PhotoBoat.com best and worst list from 2008.

THE BEST

1. Best Regatta Party: Governor's Cup, St. Mary's College

The fact that we were staying in a college dorm helped lock in the number 1 position for this party.

2. Best Overall Weather: Opera House Cup, Nantucket

It doesn't get much better than this, and Windcheck Magazine thought so as well...this photo made the cover.

3. Best Wind: American YC Spring Series, Week 1

Not just wind, but current-on-wind in an Easterly on LIS.

4. Best Digs During a Regatta: The "The Mount Gay Room" at the Screwpile

5. Best New Product: limited edition fine art photos

THE WORST

1. Longest day without wind: V15 Nationals, take 1

Hanging out alone in an 11' dinghy for four hours is not as glamorous as it sounds.

2. Longest dinghy ride to event: Charleston Race Week

Newport to Bermuda was a close second with a max distance offshore of only 9 miles for Allen...

3. Most over-complicated logistical weekend: Annapolis - Rye, NY - Annapolis, May 2008

Our rig averages 10 mpg.

4. Biggest Carnage: American Spring Series, Week 1

5. Best storm sky: Screwpile, Solomons Island, MD

2008 was a great year on the water and we look forward to kicking off 2009's adventures with Key West Race Week later this month.