The 2016 Superboat offshore racing season came to a climax in Key West on Sunday, Nov. 13, as Superboat Unlimited class competitor CMS/Wake Effects took the overall World Championship title, as well as the class win. A 48′ MTI, CMS is campaigned by driver Rusty Rahm and throttleman Jeff Harris.

The Key West World Champion competition featured three days of racing over a five-day period and drew thousands of spectators.

Meanwhile, Performance Boat Center/Jimmy John’s, a 38′ Skater driven by Myrick Coil and throttled by John Tomlinson, was the World Champion recipient in Superboat Class. They were followed by WHM Motorsports, Stihl and Teague Custom Marine.

Production 3 powerhouse team 2nd Amendment Racing nabbed its second consecutive World Championship, thanks to the talents of driver Karl Steger and throttleman Neil Wobbe, both of Missouri. Their back-to-back titles were achieved in their 36′ Spectre.

The Key West race did feature a few mishaps. Superboat Unlimited entry Miss Geico, the 44′ Victory with driver Marc Granet and Scott Begovich on the sticks, suffered extensive rear-end damage during the first turn of the final race; no injuries were reported, but the boat had to be towed in and did not finish the event. Meanwhile, Pro Floors, racing in Superboat class, flipped during its first turn of the final race, causing WHM Motorsports to run over and launch off the top of the boat. (Despite the accident, WHM was able to finish the race.) Fortunately, both driver Wayne Valder and throttleman Chris Hanley were not injured.

One of the thrilling highlights of the race featured a gnarly battle between AMH Construction/Instigator and Cooper Standard; Peter Meyer and John Stanch took the checkered flag in AMH Construction/Instigator.

Other winners included LSB Hurricane of Awesomeness (Superboat Vee), FJ Propeller (Superboat Stock) and Crazy Chicken (Production 4).