KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Sometimes called the Indianapolis 500 of offshore powerboat racing, the Key West World Championship is to draw national and international racing teams to compete Nov. 4-11 in the waters surrounding the island city. 

The action kicks off with a parade of race boats down Key West’s legendary Duval Street, slated to start at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. Racing is scheduled throughout the week, with high-speed challenges taking place Wednesday, Nov. 7; Friday, Nov. 9, and Sunday, Nov. 11. 

A portion of the 6.5-mile course runs through Key West Harbor, meaning smooth water where racers can achieve speeds above 140 mph and provide fans breathtaking displays of skill and power. 

Because water conditions vary along the course, teams can test both equipment endurance and hull and propulsion design during the season-ending championship series. Boats compete in nine classes including the celebrated Superboat class. 

On race days, spectators can get an unmatched view from grandstand areas on Key West’s Truman Waterfront — sitting so close they can practically feel the salt spray as boats roar by. The Truman Waterfront can be accessed at the end of Southard Street past Thomas Street and Truman Annex.

On nonrace days, powerboat enthusiasts can view the sleek high-speed boats, watch in-water testing runs and meet racers and crews at the race village, also situated on the Truman Waterfront. Social events for racers and their fans are planned as well, including a Duval Street party where race boats are on display. 

General-admission tickets are available, as are all-inclusive VIP spectator passes for the Truman Waterfront grandstands and hospitality tent. Other popular viewing areas include waterfront hotels and Key West’s Mallory Square. 

Event information and schedule: www.superboat.com
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY 
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest · twitter.com/thefloridakeys · youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

Located at New Yor's most fashionable address and just moments away from the festivities of Lincoln Center, The Plaza is ideally situated for guests to take in the glitz and glamour of Fall Fashion Week 2012.

Now, chic-seekers can be wined, dined, and beautified at the iconic urban oasis with a welcome bottle of champagne, a $100 Gift Card to New Yorkers’ favorite new dining concept, The Todd English Food Hall at The Plaza, and hair and make-up appointments at the celebrity favorite Warren-Tricomi Salon. Dedicated fashionistas are officially invited to take part in the season’s most buzzed-about event.

The first five packages booked for stays falling over September 5, 2012 will include two invitations to the exclusive Angelo Galasso POLSOOROLOGIO Party in The Oak Room, giving guests the opportunity to rub elbows with New York’s fashion tastemakers and trendsetters. 

"The Fall Fashion Week Package" includes:

• Luxurious accommodations in a guestroom or suite 
• Welcome bottle of champagne
• Hair style and make-up application at the Warren-Tricomi Salon at The Plaza
• $100 Gift Card to The Todd English Food Hall at The Plaza
• Invitations for guests booked the evening of September 5 to the exclusive Angelo Galasso 
• POLSOOROLOGIO Party in The Oak Room (available for first five bookings only)

The offer is available exclusively during Fashion Week between Wednesday, September 5 and Saturday, September 15. Rates start at $865 per night. The offer is valid on a three night consecutive stay and cannot be combined with any other special offer. The offer does not include tax and gratuities, and is not applicable to group bookings of ten or more.

To confirm your Fall Fashion Week experience at The Plaza, please call (888) 240-7775 or book online by visiting: http://www.fairmont.com/the-plaza-new-york