KEY WEST, Fla. — Race World Offshore (RWO), the premier offshore powerboat racing sanctioning body, announced today it will continue its long-established partnership with SSR Safety & Rescue for the 2026 racing season. The relationship ensures that the industry’s most experienced safety and rescue team will once again provide comprehensive safety coverage for all RWO events.
Coming off a record-setting World Championship in Key West that featured 98 race teams, RWO is moving into the new season with a focus on consistency and professional execution. While the offshore racing landscape has seen recent fluctuations, RWO leadership emphasizes that its operational standards—specifically regarding racer safety—remain unchanged and unwavering.
“For us, this is business as usual,” said Larry Bleil, president and owner of Race World Offshore. “We don’t need to make loud announcements about safety because our commitment to it has never wavered. We have worked with Shawn and his team for years because they are reliable and the best at what they do. Our racers know that when they come to an RWO event, the safety infrastructure is solid, proven and consistent. We aren’t changing a formula that works.”
SSR Safety & Rescue, led by Shawn Steinert, has become synonymous with trained rescue operations in the powerboat world. SSR provides a dedicated team of divers and rescue personnel to staff the fleet of rescue boats and helicopters protecting the race course.
“My team and I are fully committed to Race World Offshore for 2026 and beyond,” Steinert said. “We have built a strong, seamless relationship with RWO over many years of working side-by-side. We know their operations, we know the race courses, and we are 100 percent behind their vision for the future of the sport. We look forward to another safe and successful season.”
The 2026 Race World Offshore season will feature a full slate of events, building on the momentum of the organization’s continued growth and the record participation seen in Key West.
For the complete 2026 race schedule, visit raceworldoffshore.com/rwo-schedule.
About Race World Offshore Race World Offshore (RWO) is the leading sanctioning body for offshore powerboat racing, dedicated to producing professional, high-energy events in premier waterfront locations. With a commitment to safety, competitive integrity and fan engagement, RWO attracts the world’s top race teams and showcases the adrenaline of offshore racing to a global audience.
