Big Pimpin’
Rebel Yell
The past 18 months has seen major damage to the entry lists of the South’s big regattas – but not for everyone. Amidst the economic hardships of ’09, Charleston Race Week became a bigger multi-class keelboat regatta than all of them, and it’s interesting to note why.
- Low cost, high value: CRW froze entry fees to 2007 levels, and hasn’t raised them since. The event arranges free storage for trailered boats from January to April, offers free side-tie and rafted dockage for the first 35 entries, has a discount arrangement with the local shipyard for launching and hauling big boats, and offers free launching for trailered sportboats.
- Great racing: Charleston’s seabreeze is extremely reliable – 5 out of 7 spring days have a clockwork 12-18 knots developing from the Southeast, and both inshore and offshore courses benefit. Professional race management and top PROs make sure you can take advantage of it, and instantaneous results from Yachtscoring make sure there’s no waiting around to see how you did.
- Easy accommodations: A far cry from the price gouging of other venues, CRW’s host hotel is inches from the docks, and offers a group rate PLUS an extra discount if you book before the end of the year. Got a bigger crew? Rental houses in nearby Sullivan’s Island are on a gorgeous, miles-long sandy beach – and they are ultra affordable.
- Professional, not-for-profit management: CRW is run by the non-profit South Carolina Maritime Foundation in association with CORA, meaning that efficient people that do this for a living are getting the work done. And with all proceeds from the event helping to keep their educational program – a tall ship that teaches thousands of at-risk and underprivileged kids to sail and live – running, owners writing the entry fee check can feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
- "Friendly" ain’t just a slogan: Voted "Friendliest City in the US" again this year, Charleston’s hospitality is very real, and must be seen to be believed. The town loves having racers there, and residents know and love their maritime history, and support the sailing boom that’s been building.
- Great post-race festivities: Rockin’ live bands, gorgeous photo and video projections, scrolling results screens, and fabulous drinks from Gosling’s make the beautiful beachside outdoor party one of the best anywhere, and the general public comes too!
- Family friendly: While the downtown nightlife (and Charleston’s well-known 70/30 female to male ratio) is well known, the shopping and sightseeing in town is not to be missed. Whether your family races or doesn’t – bring them along and they’ll never be bored.
Organizers expect almost 200 boats at 2010 Charleston Race Week, with very tight PHRF ratings bands and huge and diverse one-design action from sportboats, J/80, 105s and 24s and much more, and for 2010, multihulls are enthusiastically invited!
Register now at http://www.charlestonraceweek.com and be part of one of the biggest, most economical, and most fun regattas of 2010 – and possibly the biggest sportboat gathering in history.
