The 44th Annual Key West World Championship closed in style, wrapping up Race World Offshore’s 2025 season. Across three race days, from Wednesday’s opener to Sunday’s Conch Republic finale, the Florida Straits delivered everything offshore fans could hope for.
Wednesday – The Truman Waterfront Cup
The first green flags of the week unleashed pure theatre.
In Pro Class 1, Monster Energy / M•CON made their mark early. Starting wide from lane 8 of 8, Tyler Miller and Myrick Coil’s 40-foot Skater powered by twin Mercury Racing 1100 QC4Vs clawed through the fleet to take the opening win in just over twenty-two minutes.
“We drew lane 8 out of 8. Not ideal, but the boat was on fire,” said Miller afterwards.
In Super Cat, Dirty Money Racing lit up the harbour. Brit Lilly and Bill Pyburn led from the first turn, their 38-footer running faultlessly through calm seas. Phyburn later said “We knew after practice the boat was better than last year, and it showed.”
Super Vee belonged to Hancock Claims / Team Farnsworth, who backed that win with a podium in Super Cat. “They don’t give these away… not easy to win one boat, never mind two,” said throttleman Anthony Smith.
Super Stock saw Nautical Ventures edge ahead of Wozencraft and Coco’s Monkey, while Factory Stock’s Say Less MF set the early pace. Spirit of Qatar opened its Extreme campaign with a flawless 21 minute 22 second run to top the class.
Friday – The Southernmost Continental Championship
Day Two brought tougher chop and tighter margins. Pro Class 1’s Defalco Racing snatched victory late, sliding past Monster Energy / M•CON on lap nine, though the points still favoured M•CON / Monster Energy. Dirty Money struck again in Super Cat despite snapping rudder studs near the finish; a setback the crew fixed overnight.
In Super Stock, Nautical Ventures held their advantage despite pressure from NUFF SAID and Coco’s Monkey. The Mod Vee fleet thrilled spectators as Kurt Hanna’s NMBRV Resort 29 Extreme rebounded after a mechanical setback on Wednesday, while #388 Herbott Racing controlled its race from the inside line to take the day’s final chequered flag.
Sunday – The Conch Republic Finale
The week closed with blue skies and a packed shoreline. Defalco won the last Pro Class 1 heat, but consistency crowned Monster Energy / M•CON overall champions; a season sweep that began in Clearwater and peaked here in Key West.
Dirty Money Racing sealed a clean sweep in Super Cat, Nautical Ventures clinched the Super Stock crown, Say Less MF topped Factory Stock, and Hancock Claims / Team Farnsworth captured Super Vee. Spirit of Qatar stayed perfect in Extreme, and Rum Runners #622 claimed three wins from three to take Bracket 5 honours.
After three days, ten classes and more than ninety boats, Key West once again reminded the world why it stands as offshore powerboating’s spiritual home: a place where courage meets horsepower, and every wave can decide a championship.
Race World Offshore 2025: From Lake Michigan to Key West glory
