Over the past 17 years, the Charleston Racing Organization event has evolved into the largest regatta of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. This year, it’s expected to attract nearly 300 boats—and 2,500 sailors—from the U.S., Europe, Canada, and beyond to compete in 18 classes.
“It welcomes amateurs and pros alike, making it very similar to a golf pro-am,” explains event director Randy Draftz. “You’ll have world champs on the starting line with mom and pop sailors.” Around 70 percent of them come from off, yet Charleston will have her own competitive athletes on the water, including semiprofessional David Loring.
Join the action at the Race Village at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, host to evening beach parties as well as Sunday’s awards ceremony. Racing begins on Friday, April 19, with boats heading out at 8:30 a.m. for offshore courses before inshore races start at 11 a.m.
