International Sailing Regatta for Key West

Key West, Florida Keys, the southernmost city in the continental United States, will host one of the most prestigious regattas on the international sailing circuit Sunday through Friday, January 20 to 25.

Quantum Key West 2013 features five days of competitive racing and surrounding activities. The regatta’s primary attractions for race teams are the warm-water January sailing, reliable breezes, high level of competition and unique Key West atmosphere. Unlike other challenges, the regatta also allows amateur sailors to test their skills against professionals.

Presented by Quantum Sail Design Group, races are slated to begin at 11.30am on January 21 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 2013 regatta lineup features top international racing professionals including world and European champion Riccardo Simoneschi of Italy in the Melges 24 Class. Current world champion John Kilroy of California leads the Melges 32 Class, competing against entrants from Japan, Italy, Russia, Switzerland and more. 

IRC registrants include defending champion Doug DeVos in Quantum Racing, challenged by sailors from as far away as Argentina and the United Kingdom. 

Among the other notables participating are four-time America’s Cup champion Dennis Conner, Olympian Tommaso Chieffi and 2011 Rolex yachtsman of the year Bill Hardesty.

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

To view the racing action, 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.

Check www.premiere-racing.com for more event information and for details on Key West visit www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY 

For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida.

Three Wilmington Events in SouthEast Top 20

Three annual events held in Wilmington, North Carolina have been selected as Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Top 20 Events for the months January through March, 2013.  The Cape Fear Model Railroad Society’s Model Railroad Show & Sale (January 26-27), the North Carolina Jazz Festival (February 7-9) and the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo (March 15-17) make return appearances on the prestigious STS Top 20 Events list. 

Indulge in the model railroading hobby and enjoy the operating O, O27, HO and G scale layouts at the annual Cape Fear Model Railroad Society’s Model Railroad Show & Sale. Vendors offer trains, scenic supplies and railroading memorabilia. Free clinics are offered by Tom’s Train Station in Cary, N.C. There will also be door prizes and raffles.

This year's North Carolina Jazz Festival kicks off on Thursday night February 7 with a concert featuring "Jazz Strings" performances, including a duet with Bucky Pizzarelli and Jonathan Russell, followed by a tribute to “Charlie Parker with Strings”. The festival features 16 renowned musicians and others. Cabaret-style seating and all-star musicians distinguish this as one of the largest traditional jazz festivals in the Southeast. Other highlights include workshops, master classes and an all-star jazz brunch.

The 2013 Cape Fear Wildlife Expo Cape Fear Wildlife Expo is a family event that features wildlife art and decoy displays; book signings; hunting and fishing products; boats and accessories; truck and ATV displays; fly-fishing and decoy-carving demonstrations; conservation exhibits; outdoor sports guides and outfitters. Kids will enjoy interactive activities such as Sensory Safari, Aquatic Trailer, Mallard Madness Laser Shoot, and Kids Gone Wild academic workshops. Celebrity guest Randy Edwards from the History Channel’s “Swamp People” will be on-hand each day for autographs. 

These are examples of the quality annual events that make Wilmington, North Carolina's Historic River District and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach a fun year-round destination.

For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina