Team Accolades

The Cates Cup is awarded to a World Championship Race Team that embodies the ideals of competitive excellence, team spirit and true sportsmanship. This cup is presented annually by Race World Offshore, the premier offshore powerboat racing sanctioning body, based in Key West, Florida.

This perpetuating award is in honor of Craig Cates and his family. Cates is a husband, father, powerboat racer, mayor, commissioner and a true champion among us. The Cates Cup will remain in Key West and be on rotating display with those who support Race World Offshore, their sponsors, the Cates Family and other members of the offshore racing community.

In the spirit of the Conch Republic, a community of people with a “Sovereign State of Mind” and a reputation as “People who succeeded where others have failed,” we recognize this offshore racing team for its unwavering sportsmanship and independent spirit. Just as the Conch Republic embraced a playful yet steadfast stance during the roadblock in 1982, this team embodies a unique blend of resilience and camaraderie, steering through rough waters with a tenacity and a bit of humor that reflects the iconic culture of the Florida Keys. Their dedication to fair play and mutual respect on the racing circuit honors the tradition of overcoming challenges with an unyielding spirit.