On a little chain of islands a few hours south of Miami, there’s a town popping with palm trees, humming with live music, and surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters. Forget port/starboard: in Key West, the roosters roaming the streets have the right of way. At the southernmost point of the United States, the Southernmost Regatta presented by Sailing Inc. ran January 15-19. A wide range of conditions ensured the best teams found their way to the top of the leaderboard after a week of racing. Sailors enjoyed the laidback island lifestyle in the Florida Keys. Each day after racing, sailors gathered for awards at the Sunset Tiki Bar with live music and Mount Gay aplenty. “This is the fourth year we’ve organized racing in Key West,” said Rob Ruhlman. “This year saw a noticeable increase in professionalism all due to the team Chip assembled: highly organized yet personal and friendly.” Tight competition characterized the J/111 racing, especially between Andrew & Sedgwick Ward’s Bravo and Rob Ruhlman’s Spaceman Spiff. Like in 2022, Bravo came out on top. 50 races, including three distance races, were completed. Regatta Chair Marty Kullman, Principal Race Officer Chip Till, and their teams rolled out the red carpet for sailors. The Southernmost Regatta Powered by Sailing Inc. extends its deep gratitude to the vision of the Ruhlman family, Evolution Sails, Chicago Yacht Club, Mount Gay Rum, Harken Inc., J/Boats, La Leyenda Mezcal, EWE Spirit Foundation, AA Dive Services, Sunset Tiki Bar, the City of Key West. Media coverage was provided by Hannah Lee Noll, Sharon Green’s Ultimate Sailing and Up Top Media. Full Results: yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=15741 / Photos: gallery.hannahleenoll.com/2024-keywest/