Big Pimpin’
For the past 10 of its 22 years, Sperry Charleston Race Week has seen its popularity explode as more and more teams from the US and beyond have discovered the unique pleasures of springtime racing in a historic city known for its ambience of charm and its southern hospitality. After several years of very rapid growth, the combination of an attractive destination, excellence in event management, consistently great sailing conditions and a time-efficient format has all contributed to this event becoming the largest keelboat regatta in both North and South America. No wonder entries now reliably exceed 250 boats – divided into multiple one-design and handicap classes.
Main picture: For many years Charleston Race Week grew steadily as one of the best kept secrets in American yacht racing. However, a surge of growth earlier this decade, driven largely by a hugely enthusiastic but equally efficient regatta organisation, now sees annual entries of 250 boats plus. Great courses and racing conditions, allied to first class regatta management, a minimum of downtime and sandy beaches for post-race conviviality. Charleston Race Week shall be a secret no more…
And then of course there are the beach parties… Charleston in the spring is a magical place: mild weather, Southern hospitality, history and culture, and azaleas in full bloom helped prompt Travel & Leisure magazine to name Charleston the ‘No.1 Destination city in the US and Canada’ for the past four years straight (Charleston was upgraded to No.1 Destination city in the world for 2016).
Read on.
