New features for Charleston Race Week

South Carolina's growing regatta goes IRC

With 45 days to go, Charleston Race Week organisers have announced the inclusion of IRC racing in the South's biggest and most exciting multiclass keelboat regatta.

"IRC hasn't really caught on here in Charleston yet," said Race Director Randy Draftz. "But with hugely successful boats like Teamwork and Stark Raving Mad,and true Grand Prix racers like Vincitore entered in 2010 Charleston Race Week's IRC Class, we're certainly starting off with a bang!"

US-IRC Executive Director Luiz Kahl believes that Charleston is the perfect place for the international rule to grow. "IRC's growth has always been driven by boat owner interest, and we're glad to see Charleston Race Week competitors embrace it, further building the event's reputation as one of the top multi-class regattas in North America," said Kahl. IRC has seen solid growth in the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Caribbean, while a number of Florida events include IRC classes, and Charleston "provides a natural transition" for these widespread areas, according to Kahl.

"With such a great sailing town developing an IRC fleet, we hope the word will spread throughout the area about this simple and respected international rule that works equally well for Maxis and small cruiser/racers," said Kahl. As of today, eight boats between 35 and 52 feet are registered to race IRC including the overall winner of 2009 Charleston Race Week, the winner of the Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race, and the winner of Key West Race Week's PHRF division.

Charleston Race Week is part of the 2010 US-IRC Gulf Stream Series as is the Fort Lauderdale to Charleston Race, which starts a week before Charleston Race Week and acts as a feeder race for CRW.

A mixed 'Sportboat' class is also likely, with boats like the Flying Tiger 10-Meter and Viper 830 registered to race as of today. These lightweight flyers are the big brothers to small, light, and ultra-fast one-design classes that make up more than half the Charleston Race Week fleet, and a separate class allows them to race against boats with similar sailing characteristics rather than the heavier, larger boats that they would ordinarily race. As of today, 45 boats are registered to race in the various PHRF divisions. Current event entries are here.

With most major winter/spring regattas suffering yet another hard year, major decreases across the board, Charleston continues to gain steam as it works towards another record year. With 149 confirmed entries, Charleston Race Week can claim the title of "biggest multiclass regatta in the South" to go along with its longtime moniker of "friendliest regatta in the world." Vincitore tactician Rodney Keenan has some idea why. "When we looked at which regattas to do during the winter, we figured out that we could sail Charleston Race Week for the cost of just shipping the boat to the Caribbean," Keenan said. "That's hard to beat, and with our friends telling us how great the racing, the parties, and the nightlife are, it was an easy decision."

With two Melges 32s entered and a number of owners sitting on the fence as they prepare for their big event in Miami this week, 2010 may see the first-ever Charleston start for this Class, perhaps the hottest big-boat racing in the world right now. Most Class events see 20 or more of these ultra high octane rockets racing against each other, and over 30 are expected at their World Championship in San Francisco this summer.

"We sure hope to round out our sportboat showing in Charleston with a Melges 32 Class presence," said Melges Performance Sailboats CEO Harry Melges, Jr. "Charleston has been a great place to race Melges 24s for years, and the new Audi Melges 20 had its first-ever class start in Charleston just last year. And we can't forget the strong fleet of MC scows, E-Scows and Melges 17s...Melges Performance Sailboats love this city and the city loves them!"

Two Melges 32s are already registered for 2010 Charleston Race Week, and organizers have provided free storage for Melges 32s and other trailerable boats with some limitations.

With the help of Other Brother Entertainment, Charleston Race Week organisers have planned the best line-up of entertainment ever seen at Charleston Race Week. Thursday night's opening bash-on-the-beach features funk, reggae and ska band The Plainfield Project, while Friday's revelry will feature rock and dance music from party band Two 3 Ways for the entire crowd to 'get their party on.' Saturday brings long time Charleston Race Week solo performer Calvin Taylor with his mix of classic and modern covers, and of course all of the festivities benefit from the overwhelming favorite drink of sailors worldwide - Gosling's Rum Dark n' Stormies.

All proceeds for Charleston Race Week go to the nonprofit South Carolina Maritime Foundation, an organization that educates thousands of at-risk youth aboard the beautiful and classic Spirit of South Carolina pilot schooner. The Foundation is kicking off 2010 by hosting a sponsorship drive for its summer scholarship fund with a phenomenal, once-in-a-lifetime prize: a three-day, two-night sail aboard the Spirit for the winner and 17 of their closest friends. Room and board on the 140-foot traditional gaff-rigged schooner are included, but transportation is the responsibility of the winner, and the cruise will take place in either coastal Carolina or New England at the winner's election.

Each 25$ ticket supports the Spirit Ocean Adventure Scholarship Fund, a summer program aboard the Spirit of South Carolina for 15- to 18-year-old participants. The money raised will cover the cost for approximately eight students, giving equal access for all students to participate. The winners will be announced on the final day of Charleston Race Week on April 11, 2010. With the purchase of two or more tickets you'll receive a free South Carolina Maritime Foundation calendar while supplies last. Corporate entries are welcome! Entry details are here and tickets can be purchased online here.

Charleston Race Week is an annual premier regatta for inshore and offshore racing sailboats 20' - 70' in length. 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.