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“Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!”

Kaity Storck "lets the good times roll!!" Panel discussions, good dinners, drinks, and Key Lime Pie make Key West Race Week all the more fun.
Sailing World

KStorck368c

Kaitlin Storck

My first two days here at Key West Race Week have been a bit of a whirlwind. Besides the high-quality sailboat racing, the fast pace of the event and onshore activities keep the excitement level up.

After racing yesterday, I was given the honor of speaking on the post-race panel discussion on the weather. I felt a little outdone by the other two panelists, Peter Isler and Chris Larson, but the discussion leader, Ken Legler, had convinced me not to be intimidated by these pros. So, after racing I grabbed a quick shower, and got a ride down to Kelly’s, the regatta headquarters and party central. Despite a low turnout initially, the crowd slowly filed in as we began the discussion. Rather than being overwhelmed amongst the big names, I was delighted to share what happened for us on the water and hear the similar realities from the other courses.

After the panel, the party began. I moseyed my way to the drink ticket sales booth and bought $20 worth for the week, good enough for 8 drinks. Hopefully that will last me until Friday. As I slowly ran into more and more friends I have not seen for several months, I decided my _Sailing World _blog would have to be written after dinner. And so the usual ‘regatta tent’ charades began. Discussions of the days racing were followed by conversations of which drink server pours the stiffest Mount Gay and Coke. Before long, my Mom and Dad were rounding up the troops for our 7:30 dinner reservation and I wondered where the last two hours had gone.

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One of the best parts of Key West is the dining experience. Last night we went to one of our favorite spots on the island, Seven Fish. Although very small and nondescript, the food is always incredible. They offer multiple fresh fish specials, and upon sitting down our table ordered the last of a few items on the menu as if they were up for auction. Paired with a wine our server dug out of the owner’s car, a storage location for a small restaurant, my tuna was perfect. To top it off, we ordered three desserts to share for our table of six. A key lime cheesecake, fudge brownie, and a delicious strawberry and whipped cream pie. As a food enthusiast, I took notes on the strawberry pie. A graham-cracker and walnut crust lined with chocolate was filled with strawberries and homemade whipped cream. Everything balanced beautifully.

With stomachs full and satisfied, we finally headed home for the night. A few of us watched the always entertaining Republican debate with a night cap as I opened up Word to begin my blog, and digest the day. Couldn’t stay up too late though, as we had an hour earlier start time for this morning.

Today brought lighter winds and more racing. Rumor saw some major improvements as we finished up with a first and third in the second two races. Heading back down to party central now to keep the good times rolling.

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_ Access SW‘s complete coverage of Quantum Key West 2012. _

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