Sailing world watches Key West

Hard core sailing fans say it is bigger than the Olympics and second only to the America's Cup, yet few landlubbers even know it's name. Don't have a clue? Look to the southernmost point in the continental U.S.

Racers from 18 different countries are in Key West this week competing aboard a record 60 foreign boats and an undisclosed number from 35 U.S. states in the annual Key West Race Week. Former Olympians,  America's Cup champions and Round the World racers will compete in 16 different classes on four separate courses today through Friday.

Nearly 70 percent of the entries will be racing "one design," meaning all of the boats will have the same tight specifications. The Melges 24 class is the biggest with 46 entries and J/105s have an equally impressive 34-boat fleet.

Race fans can follow the action at Premiere-racing.com. Gary Jobson will have racing highlights every evening on ESPN.com.

This year's fleet will have a solid contingent from the Tampa Bay area. Look for the action to continue on the waters off The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg when the NOOD Regatta returns in February.