With her sleek teak decks, elegant mahogany trim, and 3,600 feet of billowing white sheets, the classic-style Schooner America 2.0 is a spectacular 105’ tall ship that looks like it had sailed straight out of a romance novel.

Winner of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race and Schooner Wharf Wrecker’s Cup Race, the America 2.0, is regaled as the most stunning sailing schooner in Key West. And while she may look classic from the waterline up, this eco-friendly boat is equipped with state-of-the-art carbon fittings, a lightweight hull, and an electric propulsion system that enables it to slice through the water at an amazing speed even when it’s at full capacity with 75 passengers.

Make no mistake: sailing aboard Schooner America 2.0 is a totally different experience than sailing aboard one of Key West’s party boats. It’s all about “burying the rail” (a term that describes how the boat tips when the sails are loaded with power). It’s about that primal “Ah-ha” sensation. It’s about sailing. Real sailing.

And if you want to experience something really exhilarating, join the crew of Schooner America 2.0 for Schooner Wharf Bar’s Annual Wreckers Cup Race. This raucous four-leg race is a 7-mile sail to nearby Sand Key.

The anything-but-serious sprint is always a real hoot, and races take place on the last Sunday of the month. The first leg took place in January, but there are three more legs coming up on the last Sunday of every month (February 26, March 26, and April 30), and you’re welcome to join the crew. That’s right. You can actually participate in the race and experience the thrill of burying the rail in a race that will give you goosebumps.

Schooner America 2.0 is the pride and joy of Classic Harbor Line that also commands five ships in NYC and another one in Newport, Rhode Island.

The Schooner 2.0 sails in Key West from November through April, and her sister boat, the 80’ Adirondack III, an 1890’s-style pilot schooner, hoists her sails here year-round. Find them both at 202 William Street, on the docks fronting Schooner Wharf Bar. Info: 305-293-7245; sail-keywest.com.