CHARLESTON RACE WEEK ATTENDANCE RECORD SHATTERED AGAIN
Over 180 Boats to Attend the South's Biggest Sailing Event
CHARLESTON, SC (March 25, 2010) - 2010 Charleston Race Week is just around the corner, and the South Carolina Maritime Foundation (SCMF) and Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA) are proud to announce that they've already broken another attendance record with two weeks still to go before the first race. "We're once again very grateful to see so much support for Race Week and for our city," said SCMF CEO Will Haynie. "Registration is almost over and soon we get to the fun part - seeing 1,500 sailors enjoying our beautiful waterways and Charleston's legendary hospitality."
With 180 entries on the scratch sheet as of Wednesday, the South's largest regatta is again raising the bar, with a second consecutive year and the fourth out of five with a record entry list. Haynie attributes the event's success in the face of tough economic times to various factors. "Charleston Race Week has been the beneficiary of people needing to make hard choices with their time and money these days," Haynie said. "This event has proved to be a great value, with the three things that sailors crave most: Good weather, reliable wind, and great parties."
After crewing for two years on other Melges 24s, making the decision to bring their own boat was easy this year for August and Zac Hernandez, the owners of High Voltage. “A lot of the good Melges 24 sailors from the US are part of [CRW]. After getting to know the other 24 guys and finding out what races they signed up for, making the decision for Charleston this year was pretty easy,” stated Zac.
Race Locally, Race Globally
Race Week's origin as a regional PHRF regatta hasn't been lost with the event's growth, and alongside Southeast-based PHRF and one-design teams is a large contingent of teams from around the country and around the globe The well-traveled Southern Cross 52 Vincitore never seems to stop in one place for long, with a crew that includes many New Zealanders and a home port in Switzerland Germany’s Christof Wieland will be racing in the Melges 24 class for the second straight year, and Canada is well represented with Viper 640 String Theory and longtime CRW competitor Slapshot in the Tripp 26. This is the first start anywhere in more than two years for the Tripp 26 class. International boats are no new factor to CRW, however; last year’s event showed an equally strong international presence with boats from France, Ireland, Germany, and the UK.
Closer to home, boats from 19 states will face off in Charleston. The Texans are hoofing it across the South Coast with nine J/Boats and Vipers, and the Midwest, Northeast, and West Coast are all well represented in the hot 'sportboat' fleets, which make up more than half of all entries.
Deadline Relief
If you missed the end of the standard registration period on Monday, don’t panic! Registration has been extended until the end of the day this Friday, so get your entry in now! Registration is incomplete until race fees are paid per the Notice of Race. Entries submitted after Friday, March 26th will be charged a $100 late entry fee. After registering, be sure to pick up your Shoreside Event Passes for access to all the nightly festivities, and note that Event Passes are available for purchase to the general public at the same low price as to the racers, so invite your friends! A $60 ticket covers four days of live entertainment, food, drinks and more. Purchase your ticket online before Wednesday, March 31st or at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina on Thursday, April 8th. View the schedule of events here.
Storage Solutions
There is still space for trailered boats under 30 feet at Azalea Moving and Storage. Please note that space limitations have required organizers to relocate the storage location for trailers after boats have been launched. The picturesque and safe new spot is just blocks from the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, less than two miles from Remley's Point free launch ramps and just across the bridge from downtown Charleston. For comprehensive information on storage, launching and hauling, be sure to click here.
Charleston Race Week is an annual premier regatta for inshore and offshore racing sailboats 20' - 70' in length organized by the South Carolina Maritime Foundation and Charleston Ocean Racing Association. The 15th edition of this event, the fastest growing regatta on the east coast, will be held April 8 - 11, 2010, headquartered at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Visit www.CharlestonRaceWeek.com for more information.
The South Carolina Maritime Foundation owns and operates the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship. The Foundation's mission is to offer effective, unique educational opportunities for students, focusing on the history, math, science and literature of our water resources and encouraging personal responsibility, contribution to the community and stewardship of the environment. Since its first season of programming in 2007, over 5,000 students have been served. With the support of local partnerships, the South Carolina Maritime Foundation is able to generate funds to keep these exceptional programs in place.
