Commodore Ed Willman Memorial 'round the Island Race Trophy
- KBYC History Committee
- Oct 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 14
The next 'round the Island Race will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
This trophy was awarded from1966 to 2002. Other trophies and plaques for subsequent years are also on display.
The Ed Willman Memorial 'round the Island Race, held at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club in Miami, Florida, is a significant event with a rich history.
The race was conceived in 1966 by Past Commodore Edward "Ed" Willman and fellow member Ray Sullivan. It was designed to be a fun, yet competitive event that engaged sailboats of all sizes. The course typically takes boats from the waters of Biscayne Bay in front of the Yacht Club, south through the Stiltsville featherbeds and past Cape Florida, then north along the Atlantic coast of Key Biscayne, around a marker at the island's northern tip and back to the Key Biscayne Yacht Club.
Ed Willman, who passed away in 1994, was a highly accomplished sailor and a respected member of the Key Biscayne community. He was a World War II dive bomber, a third cousin to actor John Wayne, and participated in over 200 blue water races in his lifetime. In his memory, and at the suggestion of Ray Sullivan, the race was dedicated to Willman's name.
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The race is a testament to the club's commitment to competitive sailing and community engagement. Its attracted sailors from the local area and beyond, with the Key Biscayne Yacht Club inviting all sailors to participate. The event's enduring legacy is a tribute to Ed Willman's passion for sailing and his contributions to the club.
Location: Seabelle Captain Room on the main floor.
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