Jetsettersblog

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Maybe “American Idol” winners aren’t abandoning their guitars to play conch shell concerts, but fans of the fluted, pink-lined shell are puckering up for the 50th annual test of “conch musicianship” in Key West.

The Conch Shell Blowing Contest begins at noon Saturday, March 3, in the tropical garden of Key West’s Oldest House, 322 Duval St. Nicknamed the Conch Honk, the lighthearted competition salutes Key West’s seafaring heritage and is presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation.

The tradition of blowing a conch shell in the Florida Keys began centuries ago. In the 1800s, when the local economy was largely based on salvaging cargoes from ships wrecked on the nearby reef, sailors attracted attention by blowing piercing blasts on the shell.

“There wasn’t a ship that went out that didn’t have at least one conch shell on it for communications,” said veteran contest winner Clinton Curry.

The Keys’ connection with conch goes far beyond instrumental and communications applications.

The slightly tough meat of the hardy mollusk is the prime ingredient in conch chowder and conch fritters, two of the island chain’s signature dishes. Keys natives proudly proclaim their own tough, hardy nature by calling themselves “conchs” and their home the Conch Republic.

Several dozen kids and adults are expected to compete in the March 3 “conch honk,” showcasing their pucker power and honoring an important Keys tradition. Spectators can expect more laughs than musical inspiration and a surprise visit from some characters from Key West’s seafaring history.

While most entrants only manage blasts or squawks, each year a few produce complex melodies that impress judges and audiences alike.

Winners are chosen for the quality, duration, loudness and novelty of the sounds they make, with trophies awarded in multiple age categories.

The festivities typically include performances by talented “pucker pros.”

The 2012 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is free to enter and watch. Contestants can register at the Oldest House from 10:30 a.m. to noon March 3, or at the event itself if space is still available.

Those lacking “instruments” can purchase conch shells on site.

Event information: www.oirf.org or 305-294-9501
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest  or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — Every inch counts during the fourth annual Backcountry Fly Championship set for Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 23-25.

Select spots are available for interested competitors.

Anglers compete to catch the most inches of snook and redfish on fly, with one inch equaling one point. Rules mandate that only two catches of each species over the two fishing days can be counted toward an angler’s total inches.

Registration is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at Uncle’s Restaurant, mile marker (MM) 80.9 oceanside.

Friday and Saturday, boats can leave the dock at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, MM 81.9 bayside, at 7 a.m. Lines-out is to be called at 3 p.m. each day, and dockside activities are to be scheduled at Lorelei.

Awards await the tournament’s grand champion and runner-up to the grand champion, as well as the anglers who catch the largest snook, redfish and tarpon. An awards dinner is set for 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lorelei.

Angler entry fee is $500. Pre-registration is highly recommended.

Tournament information and registration: Paul Tejera at 305-393-2156 or Captbackbone@gmail.com

Islamorada visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/islamorada or 800-FAB-KEYS (5397)

Florida Keys Fishing information: www.fla-keys.com/fishing
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys -– Two-time Super Bowl winning coach Jimmy Johnson is to combine two of his favorite sports, football and fishing, during his namesake “Quest for the Ring” National Billfish Championship March 1-3 in the Florida Keys.

Along with some of the sport’s toughest billfish competitors, the team event is to attract notable NFL players and University of Miami college greats to target sailfish and other billfish species.

“What’s better than enjoying fishing with NFL players and coaches, both current and former greats, while raising money for charity?” said Johnson, who makes his home in the Keys and is an analyst on “Fox NFL Sunday.”

A captains meeting and kick-off party are planned for Thursday, March 1, at Johnson’s Fisherman’s Cove, a residence club at mile marker 104 bayside in Key Largo and home to the Big Chill bar, restaurant and cabana complex in the Upper Keys.

The venue is to serve as tournament headquarters.

Fishing is scheduled Friday and Saturday, March 2-3. A sunset happy hour, dinner and poker party follow Friday’s fishing and an evening awards ceremony and live auction concludes the event on Saturday.

All anglers on the winning boat receive authentic, custom-designed Jimmy Johnson’s NBC Championship rings.

Registration is $5,000 for a team of six and includes admission to all social events, a variety of apparel, fishing merchandise and more.

Anglers who want to participate in the event, but do not own a boat or prefer to travel to the tournament without one, can book one of the professional charter boat operators in the Upper Keys.

The prestigious event benefits the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame, the Ray Lewis Family Foundation that helps at-risk youths and families, and the Ted Hendricks Foundation that awards grants and scholarships to both youths and seniors.

Tournament information:

www.jimmyjohnsonbillfishchampionship.com

Key Largo visitor information:
www.fla-keys.com/keylargo
or 800-822-1088

Florida Keys Fishing information:
www.fla-keys.com/fishing
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

SCOUT KEY, Florida Keys — As many as 600 amateur and professional astronomers from around the world are to gather in the Lower Florida Keys Monday through Saturday, Feb. 20-26, attracted by the chance for 180-degree viewing of the Southern Cross and other constellations during the 28th annual Winter Star Party.

The event’s primary draw for astronomers is the large number of southern constellations, comets, stars and other celestial objects that are visible from the Florida Keys — virtually the only place in the continental United States where they can be seen.

The Keys’ southern location and relative absence of large-scale artificial lighting at night provide optimal viewing conditions.

The star party is to take place at Camp Wesumkee, a Girl Scout camp at mile marker 34.5 off U.S. Highway 1 on Scout Key, formerly known as West Summerland Key.

The gathering is hosted by Miami’s Southern Cross Astronomical Society.

Founded in 1922, the SCAS is one of the oldest amateur astronomical societies in the Western Hemisphere.

As well as nightly stargazing opportunities, Winter Star Party participants can attend lectures and presentations by nationally recognized astronomers and guest speakers, shop for astronomy equipment from on-site vendors, participate in photo contests, compete for prizes and exchange information with fellow astronomy aficionados. Special camp activities are arranged for young astronomers.

Featured speakers include award-winning author and astronomer Stephen James O’Meara, whose books include the Deep-Sky Companion series, astronomer and telescope maker Mike Lockwood, astro-photographer and event director Tim Khan, solar system research and planetary photography specialist Dr. Donald C. Parker and star party founder Tippy D’Auria, a widely renowned planetary astronomer and astro-photographer.

The Winter Star Party is open to the public as well as to SCAS members, though registration is required prior to the event.

Tickets are not available for sale at the gate.

Event information and registration: www.scas.org
Lower Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/lowerkeys  or 1-800-872-3722
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

FLORIDA KEYS — With balmy temperatures even in the winter months, the Florida Keys & Key West offer visitors a warm welcome and a wealth of new and enhanced accommodations, land and water attractions, and culinary and creative experiences. Explore the highlights here.

Keys Accommodations

The property that was once Islamorada’s iconic Holiday Isle Beach Resort and Marina, located at mile marker (MM) 84 oceanside, has completed an $11.6 million renovation. Now known as the Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle, the landmark has been transformed into a lushly landscaped, modern tropical oceanfront resort.

The Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle’s evolution includes renovations to its guestrooms, meeting space, main lobby and swimming pool area. Extensive landscaping improvements have been made to highlight natural scenic views, while technology upgrades include comprehensive resort-wide Wi-Fi access and flat-screen televisions at the on-site bars as well as in all guestrooms.

The resort’s main restaurant facility, formerly the Sport Fish Grill, has been transformed into the first Shula Burger. Named for legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula, the restaurant offers a full-service bar and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Holiday Isle’s famed Tiki Bar, with its hand-carved wood floor, is expected to remain — along with the resort’s claim to have invented the frozen rumrunner cocktail.

For more information, visit www.holidayisle.com.

***

Marathon’s luxurious Hawks Cay Resort, located on Duck Key at MM 61 oceanside, has begun a $1 million renovation to enhance the culinary options available to guests at the 60-acre island getaway.

Much of the renovation will be focused on the main kitchen to allow several menu enhancements. Terrace, the pool area breakfast eatery, will expand its menu to include lunch items.

The Beach Grill at Hawks Cay and the surrounding beach area are to transition into a designated adults-only area renamed Sand Bar. The Sand Bar menu is to feature more adult-oriented opulent light fare.

The resort’s gift shop, soon to be known as Island Time, will expand to include a coffee bar serving a full Starbucks menu.
Resort renovations are slated for completion by March 2012.

For more information visit www.hawkscay.com.

***

Albury Court Hotel, one of five properties in the Historic Key West Inns collection, has completed room renovations that marry historic architecture with modern amenities and décor.

All of the boutique hotel’s 38 rooms were transformed at a cost of approximately $100,000.

Located at 1030 Eaton St., Albury Court offers rooms in five adjacent historic buildings whose Key West–style architectural features include clapboard siding, open porches, metal roofs and picket fences. The buildings share a courtyard, lobby and heated pool with waterfall.

Continental breakfast is included with all guest stays.

For more information, visit www.historickeywestinns.com/the-inns/albury-court.

***

The poolside Lighthouse Court Café & Mojito Bar recently debuted at the Lighthouse Court Hotel, located at 902 Whitehead St. beside the historic Key West Lighthouse and across the street from the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

The café and bar provide an ideal venue for hotel guests and walk-in visitors seeking a few drinks or a quick lunch in the island’s historic district. Menu items at the café include fresh salads, wraps, homemade Key lime pie and personal-sized flatbread pizzas. The full bar provides specialty cocktails like Not Quite Hemingway’s Mojitos and Adalina’s Key Lime Margaritas.

The café features seating for 23 people, with space for about 200 people in the adjacent courtyard.

Lighthouse Court is one of five boutique hotels in the Historic Key West Inns collection. The property features 40 guestrooms in 10 “conch” buildings dating from 1890 to the 1920s. A large central pool, tropical landscaping and decked courtyards enhance the spacious environment.

Continental breakfast is included with all guest stays.

For more information, visit www.historickeywestinns.com/the-inns/lighthouse-court/lighthouse-court-cafe-bar.

Keys Experiences

Classic historic elegance meets modern luxury aboard Key West’s newest sailing cruise vessel, the Schooner America 2.0.

Modeled after the maritime icon Schooner America, the original 1851 winner of the prestigious sailing competition named for the vessel — the America’s Cup — the America 2.0 is a 105-foot tribute ship built with lightweight modern materials that enable it to navigate with speed, efficiency and minimal environmental impact.

The Schooner America 2.0 is to spend the winter months through April berthed at Key West and sailing with the Classic Harbour Line Fleet from Key West’s Historic Seaport.

The modern schooner sails twice daily. The 90-minute Key West Day Sail departs at 1:30 p.m. for a voyage around Key West highlighting the island’s maritime sights. The two-hour Champagne Sunset Sail in Key West waters emphasizes the island’s famed sunset as a backdrop to its natural beauty.

Day sails are priced at $49 per guest and sunset sails are priced at $75 per guest. Both excursions feature complimentary beer, wine, champagne, soda and water, and guests can bring aboard their own picnic.

For more information, call 305-293-7245 or visit www.sail-keywest.com.

***

Visitors to the Florida Keys can try their luck aboard the Tropical Breeze Casino, the island chain’s newest casino cruise ship.

The 10,000-square-foot casino area is a gamers’ dream, offering blackjack and craps tables with buy-ins as low as $5, poker and mini-baccarat tables as well as several slot machines.

The floating casino also features two full bars, a restaurant and a top viewing deck perfect for stargazing, dolphin watching or simply enjoying the ride.

The Tropical Breeze Casino cruises Keys waters Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and nightly from 6 to 11 p.m. departing from Key West Harbour Yacht Club, 6000 Peninsular Ave. on Stock Island. Tickets are $20 and reservations are required. Patrons must be at least 18 years old.

Key West’s Old Town Trolley will transport casino patrons from four of its centrally located stops to the Key West Harbour Yacht Club.

For more information, visit www.tropicalbreezecasino.com  or call 305-294-3990.

***

Key West’s well-known Subtropic Dive Center recently changed ownership to become Seaduction Key West.

Now managed by a group of dive veterans, the shop at 1605 N. Roosevelt Blvd. is poised to restore Key West’s former reputation as a technical diving capital.

With a focus on technical dives —deeper than 130 feet using mixed gases — Seaduction Key West plans to offer daily dive trips to the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg artificial reef and to lesser-known deep-dive sites like the USS Curb and USS Wilkes-Barre. The shop also will offer dive training and equipment rentals including Nitrox and Trimix gas tanks.

For further information, visit www.seaduction.com/keywest  or call 1-800-853-DIVE (1-800-853-3483).

***

Active travelers now have a new way of seeing the Florida Keys. Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours provides guided bicycle tours of the islands.

The Pigeon Key Biking and Kayaking Tour is a six-hour excursion that includes transportation, active gear, entrance fees and lunch. In addition to biking and kayaking, participants can choose between snorkeling on the beach or taking a 1.5-mile hiking trail.

The Century Rides to Key West are for experienced cyclists who are used to riding along the road. The tour starts at MM 100 and ends at the southernmost point in the continental United States. Participants can choose to explore Key West for the afternoon, or spend the night for an additional charge. These tours take place on the second Saturday of every month.

For a shorter trip focused on history and local culture, the company provides historical trips in Islamorada. The three-mile tours, which last approximately two hours and take place every weekend, proceed at an easy pace and include 10 stops around the island.

For details and tour availability, visit www.keylargobike.com  or call 305-395-1551.

***

Visitors to Key Largo, known as the dive capital of the world, now can experience the majesty of the sea without getting their feet wet aboard a 128-passenger paddlewheel boat. Island Time Cruise Co. specializes in 2.5-hour island cruises for lunch, brunch or sunset dinner with food prepared by Steamers Restaurant.

The paddlewheel boat features an all-wood dining room and two bars, and offers spectacular views of Keys waters and wildlife. The company also plans to offer Sunday brunch, murder mystery dinners, wine tastings and live island music aboard the boat.

The Island Time Cruise Co. paddlewheel boat is available for private charters for weddings, seminars and other special events.

The ship departs from Steamers Restaurant, located next to Gilbert’s Resort at MM 107 on Blackwater Sound. Tickets are available at Keys Diver, MM 99.6 bayside.

For more information, visit www.islandtimecruises.com  or call 305-453-0001.

***

Tavernier’s Florida Keys Dive Center is the newest dive operator to join Blue Star, a voluntary conservation recognition program started in 2010 by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Ten Keys dive operators are participants, recognized for their dedication to coral reef education and conservation.

Blue Star’s mission is to help reduce the impact of divers and snorkelers on the coral reef system that parallels the Florida Keys — the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.

Dive operators who participate in the program are evaluated yearly, and must be involved in conservation-related activities such as reef cleanups or fish counts. They also must have trained staff committed to promoting responsible tourism and teaching divers and snorkelers in-water etiquette.

Florida Keys Dive Center, located at MM 90.5 oceanside, offers several dive charter and equipment rental packages including seasonal coral reef restoration dives.

For more information, visit www.floridakeysdivectr.com  or call 1-800-433-8946.

For Blue Star details, visit www.sanctuaries.noaa.gov/bluestar/operators.html

Keys Flavors

The Lower Keys has a new sweet spot with the opening of Fruitcakes! Tasty Vegan Bites, an almost entirely organic vegan bakery.

Fruitcakes! Tasty Vegan Bites serves up vegan made-to-order baked goods that are friendly to people with allergies. Bakery specialties include flour-free macaroons, double chocolate brownies, oatmeal raisin cookies, cakes, dairy-free cheesecakes, biscotti, baked donuts and more.

Ready-made baked goods are available in the Fruitcakes! Tasty Vegan Bites baking case at Good Food Conspiracy, located on Big Pine Key at MM 30.2. In addition, custom orders can be placed by phone and picked up at Deer Run Bed & Breakfast, also on Big Pine Key at 1997 Long Beach Road.

Treats from Fruitcakes! Tasty Vegan Bites are available for small-order catering for private parties and small-scale events, with the debut of large-volume catering for weddings and large parties planned for early spring 2012.

For information, call Jennifer DeMaria at 305-872-2015.

Keys Artistry

Visitors and residents traveling the Florida Keys Overseas Highway have a new outdoor art mural to view at MM 95 bayside in Key Largo. The mural was created for the centennial anniversary of the completion of Henry Flagler’s Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad.

The hand-painted mural, measuring 60 feet long and 11.5 feet high, depicts a train similar to a Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad passenger train steaming across an arched bridge much like the Long Key Viaduct. Above the bridge is a full moon adorned with the face of the railroad’s creator, Henry Flagler.

The mural was a collaborative effort between the Art Guild of the Purple Isles, lead artist Cris Sandifer and high school art club students at Islamorada’s Island Christian School. It covers the southwest exterior wall of the Atlantic Title building.

Creation of the mural is one of a number of Keys events commemorating the 1912 arrival of Flagler’s first train from the U.S. mainland through the Florida Keys to Key West.

For information on the railroad and its centennial, visit www.FlaglerKeys100.com.  For information on the Art Guild of the Purple Isles, visit www.purpleislesartguild.com.

***

Since opening a year ago, Islamorada’s Gallery 84 has evolved into an eclectic one-stop shop for art lovers, a co-op art gallery combined with island-style inspirations and design. Located at MM 84.7, it features displays from five local artists, an interactive artisan workshop and a menu of new creative offerings for first-time and repeat patrons.

Shop guests can discover custom-filled gift baskets such as the Welcome to the Keys, I Do and Beach Basket that feature artistic items and gourmet foods, and displays of hand-painted shoulder bags, pillows and other cause-based sustainable tourism gift items.

Artist-owners Liz Queeny and Meeja Ritchie-Smith also have developed the Design Center @ 84, offering hand-created wedding, shower and event invitations and cards for special occasions. In addition, Queeny and Smith can create gallery-wrap canvases from digital images captured by Keys vacationers, with a turnaround time of as little as 24 hours.

For more information, call 305-735-4596, email G84@gmail.com  or visit www.facebook.com/whid1211.

Keys Historic Sites

The historic and architecturally unique Casa Antigua was the first place Ernest Hemingway resided in Key West, where he worked on “A Farewell to Arms” in 1928. Recently, the building’s ground level and open-air garden atrium has become available to the public for wedding and private event rentals.

Located at 314 Simonton St., Casa Antigua was once the Trev-Mor Ford dealership. Hemingway meant Key West to be a stopping-off point when he arrived in 1928 by sea from Paris, but the Ford car that should have been waiting at the docks was delayed — so the car dealer persuaded Hemingway and his wife Pauline to stay at the Trev-Mor Hotel above the dealership.

Their extended stay sparked Hemingway’s fascination with Key West and led to his decade-long sojourn on the island.

Today, the property is fully restored to feature the Pelican Poop Shoppe, offering Caribbean gifts, and a luxuriant atrium garden. Its attractions include 80 orchids, star fruit, palm trees and other foliage, a pool and fountain — all surrounded by the brickwork of the building whose private rooms, hugging the exterior walls but leaving the center open to the sky, make up the most unusual home in Key West.

Casa Antigua can be booked 365 days a year for afternoon and early evening events serving up to 200 guests.

For more information, call Lee at 305-849-3473 or email lee@conchcolor.com.

***

Florida Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com  or 1-800-FLA-KEYS (1-800-352-5397)
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

MARATHON, Florida Keys — Advanced divers seeking to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad’s completion can do so by exploring an artificial reef derived from part of the original railroad bridge sunk off Marathon.

Henry Flagler’s Over-Sea Railroad, lauded on its completion as the most unique railway in the world, connected the Florida Keys with mainland Florida and each other for the first time in 1912.

Portions of its structure, which subsequently served as a foundation for a portion of the original Florida Keys Overseas Highway, lie submerged in 115 feet of water approximately 3.7 miles off Sombrero Lighthouse.

A favorite among experienced divers as one of Marathon’s challenging drift dives, the Marathon Reef site was created in July 1982, shortly after a then-new Seven Mile Bridge opened to carry traffic.

At that time, 4,500 tons of concrete and steel debris taken from the center swing span of the Old Seven Mile Bridge, also called the Moser Channel Bridge, were sunk.

The center swing span pivoted and swung away so tall vessels could transit between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

The original Seven Mile Bridge, like the new bridge, linked Marathon with the Lower Florida Keys.

Today the massive remnants provide refuge to abundant populations of large pelagic and reef fish, eye-popping corals, colorful gorgonians, plant and invertebrate marine life among the superstructure’s lateral bracing, fenders, gears, and circular bearings that supported the bridge operator’s shed.

Divers can explore the concrete and steel rubble spread over a 1.6-acre area, rising off a flat sandy bottom as much as 30 feet in some areas.

The Marathon Reef site is one of 13 artificial reef sites between Key Largo and Key West overseen by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management.

Over-Sea Railroad centennial information: www.FlaglerKeys100.com

Keys diving information:
www.fla-keys.com/diving

Marathon visitor information:
www.fla-keys.com/marathon

or 1-800-262-7284
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The Key West boxing tradition that dates back to Ernest Hemingway is to be celebrated Friday, Jan. 6, with nine bouts overlooking Key West Harbor at Mallory Square.

Fight Night in the Keys is to be highlighted by a 10-round battle between super middleweights Dyah Davis and Alfonso Lopez.

Davis has a record of 20 wins including nine knockouts, as well as two losses and one draw. His competitor Lopez boasts 22 wins, including 17 knockouts, and one loss.

In 1930s Key West, when he wasn’t writing, fishing or relaxing with compadres, Ernest Hemingway often officiated boxing matches in the Bahama Village neighborhood near his Whitehead Street home. He also enjoyed sparring with local fighters.

Fight Night in the Keys recalls that heritage of sportsmanship while offering spectators the chance to view big-name professional boxing in an open-air waterfront setting.

For those who can’t travel to Key West, the match is to be broadcast on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights.”

As well as the super middleweight contest, bouts are scheduled featuring fighters Danny Van Staden, Marcus Upshaw, Derrick Wilson and Darell Eacholes.

The venue at Mallory Square is to open at 6 p.m. ET and the first bout is slated to begin at 7 p.m.

Ticket prices start at $35 per person and VIP packages also are available. To purchase tickets, visit www.keystix.com or call 305-292-0486. Tickets can be purchased in Key West at Mr. Cheapee’s Liquors, 423 Caroline St.

Event information: 305-292-0486
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest  or 1-800-LAST-KEY

Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

KEY WEST, Florida Keys —

Veteran sailboat racing teams from around the world are to compete in the waters off America’s southernmost city during Quantum Key West 2012, scheduled Sunday through Friday, Jan. 15-20.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012, the Key West event is one of the most prestigious sailing regattas on the international calendar. Racing teams from more than a dozen countries are to test their mettle against teams from around the United States during five days of competition.

The action is slated to begin daily at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 16-20, with as many as 10 races scheduled during the challenge.

Competitors are to race on courses set over an 8-mile stretch of the Atlantic Ocean just off Key West’s shore and inside the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef.

The 2012 regatta lineup features some of the world’s top racing professionals in the closely contested Melges 32 class, including Tokyo-based Makoto Uematsu and Italian Vincenzo Onorato.

The returning Farr 40 class is always competitive, while the talent-laden international Melges 24 typically draws the largest field.

Fierce competition is expected between the two boats that won the last three Mini Maxi–class world championships: Niklas Zennstrom’s J/V 72 Ran and Dan Meyers’ J/V 66 Numbers.

The Farr 400 is to make its class debut at Key West, and famed sailor Sir Irvine Laidlaw is slated to debut his Highland Fling XII in the TP52 class.

Event organizers say teams are drawn to Key West by the opportunity for January sailing in warm subtropical waters, reliable breezes and the high level of competition. The challenge also allows amateur sailors to race against professionals.

Regatta headquarters, where sailors and sailing aficionados can mingle, is to be on Caroline Street between Duval and Whitehead streets.

To view the races, fans can book seats on spectator boats ranging from excursion catamarans to historic tall ships. Prime land-based viewing spots include Key West’s Atlantic-front restaurants, resorts and beaches.

Event information: www.premiere-racing.com  or 781-639-9545
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest  or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

FLORIDA KEYS — Sharing Henry Flagler’s vision of the Florida Keys as a remarkable and accessible destination, up to 100 nature-loving kayakers are to embark on a 115-mile, 10-day Paddle Florida Keys Challenge Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, to celebrate the centennial of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad.

Starting at Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the challenge is suited for experienced paddlers and includes overnight stays throughout the Keys.

Daily paddles average six to 20 miles in both protected and open-water environments.

Highlights of the paddling itinerary include visits and stopovers at historic Tavernier, Indian Key State Park, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and other Florida state parks including Long Key and Curry Hammock.

A two-night layover at the Lower Keys’ Bahia Honda State Park provides an opportunity for exploration and snorkeling at Looe Key Reef.

An opening-night slideshow is planned for Thursday, Jan. 12. Illustrating Flagler’s historic and developmental influence on the Florida Keys, it is to be presented by Monica Woll of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails.

A presentation by environmental photographer Mac Stone is scheduled Sunday, Jan. 15.

Tuesday, Jan. 17, paddlers can meet travel authors and professional paddling guides Bill and Mary Burnham for a book signing, slide show and campfire talk at Knight’s Key Campground.

Other attractions include live Americana-style music performances on the journey’s final nights.

Event organizers expect the kayakers to end their journey at Key West’s Fort Zachary Taylor State Park by noon Sunday, Jan. 22, the 100th anniversary of Henry Flagler’s arrival on the railroad’s inaugural train from Miami. A cookout for paddlers is to follow.

Paddlers interested in joining the group for the final day can put in at Boyd’s Key West Campground, 6401 Maloney Ave. near mile marker (MM) 5. There is no fee, but paddlers must provide their own kayaks for the easy 6-mile trek to Key West.

Registration for the 10-day trip is $800 per person including overnight accommodations and meals. Paddlers also can participate on a daily basis for $90 per day including meals.

Participants must bring camping gear, kayak and paddle(s) and a personal flotation device. Rental gear is available at Florida Bay Outfitters, MM 104 bayside in Key Largo. Contact 305-451-3018 or visit www.kayakfloridakeys.com/.

Limited space remains for the trip, and paddlers must be registered no later than Friday, Dec. 30.

Event information: www.paddleflorida.org/keys12/keys.htm  or Bill Richards at 352-377-8342

Flagler Centennial Celebration: www.FlaglerKeys100.com
Florida Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com  or 1-800-FLA-KEYS (1-800-352-5397)

Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Creative cuisine, premium wines and unique events in a subtropical island setting are to characterize the third annual Key West Food and Wine Festival, set for Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 26-29.

Indoor and outdoor events showcase local chefs’ culinary flair and favorite indigenous ingredients while offering “only in the Keys” experiences.

Attendees can whet their appetites at a barefoot evening beach party Thursday, Jan. 26.

Island cuisine, wine and music are planned, but footwear is forbidden at this oceanfront occasion at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St.

Subsequent festival highlights include Turtles and Sharks and Mermaids, Oh My!, a grand tasting among the undersea denizens at the Key West Aquarium, 1 Whitehead St. Surrounded by live “seafood,” guests can sample fine vintages and offerings from land and sea while enjoying entertainment by “sirens” from Fancy Pants Entertainment. The aquatic affair is set for 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 — and guests might even get to pet a shark.

Saturday evening, Key West’s renowned Duval Street is to become an appetizing avenue during Duval Uncorked. The mile-long stroll between the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean features a feast for the senses from more than 40 participating restaurants, bars, galleries and boutiques.

Florida Keys seafood stars at two festival favorites: a traditional Key West shrimp boil Saturday afternoon at the Hogfish Bar & Grill beside the shrimp docks and Sunday’s Seafood Shakedown culinary competition spotlighting the Keys’ pink shrimp and other bounty of the sea.

The festival also includes “wine around” explorations showcasing foods and libations in Key West’s Bahama Village, Historic Seaport and other neighborhoods. Additional events include an outdoor wine market, a goofy “coconut bowling” tournament and coconut recipe contest, food and wine seminars, the 18th annual Master Chef’s Classic and more.

VIP passes are available covering admission to multiple events, or attendees can purchase tickets for individual events.

Festival information: www.keywestfoodandwinefestival.com
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest  or 1-800-LAST-KEY
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