Charleston Race Week Entries Up Over 53% From 2010 (1-12-11)
HUGE INCREASE OVER RECORD 2010 YEAR AS NEW SPONSORS COME ABOARD
CHARLESTON, SC (12 JANUARY 2011) – Race organizers for the South’s biggest multiclass keelboat regatta have the kind of problem everyone wishes they had: there are more boats registering for 2011 Charleston Race Week than anyone expected!
“We’ve been happy to see our event grow so steadily over the past five years, especially given the economic climate for much of that period,” said Danny Havens, who took over running Race Week operations late in 2009, shortly after Brad Van Liew retuned to solo around the world racing in the Velux 5 Oceans Race. “Still, we’re a bit surprised to see that our entry list has exploded for 2011, reaching 100 boats almost a month earlier than we did last year!” Havens may be surprised, but his race management team is ready. “We’ve got a top notch group of race officers and a huge pile of great volunteers to make sure things run smoothly on the water, and we know the resort can handle plenty more partygoers. I say ‘bring it on!’” said Race Director Randy Draftz.
Charleston has long been regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, but the past decade has seen the historic gem gain notoriety as a top notch sailing destination through numerous maritime events, many of them organized by the non-profit South Carolina Maritime Foundation, the same body that co-organizes Charleston Race Week. “The Foundation’s primary goal is to provide students with hands-on educational opportunities both aboard the Spirit of South Carolina tall ship and through land-based programming. Our programs focus on providing students with enrichment opportunities and skills that will allow them to become our future leaders. To support our programs, SCMF relies on support from the community as well as the revenue generated by our maritime events like Charleston Race Week and Charleston Harbor Fest, and ocean races like the Charleston Bermuda Race, Global Ocean Race, and Velux 5 Oceans Race,” explained Executive Director Sarah Piwinski. In fact, many of the Foundation’s members are avid sailors and Piwinski says the membership is “extremely happy to see Race Week become such a success.”
Charleston Race Week runs from April 14th through April 17th for 2011, and includes four separate race courses with more than a dozen inshore and offshore one-design, PHRF and IRC handicap racing classes for boats from 20 to 70 feet. For more information and a current entry list, go to www.charlestonraceweek.com. To register, go to http://www.charlestonraceweek.com/race-entry/race-registration/. The deadline for the early registration discount is January 31, 2011.
LONGTIME SUPPORTERS RETURN, AND CHARLESTON WELCOMES NEW FRIENDS
Charleston Race Week is proud to have the continuing support of sponsors that have helped it become the premier event in the South, with a great package of products and support from old friends at top-notch companies. Returning competitors will be happy to know they can count on great clothing from vineyard vines, the best in technical apparel from Gill, action photography from Photoboat.com, amazing drinks from Gosling’s Rum, support from Pierside Boatworks, and the best regatta venue in America at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina. Gill is even in the process of developing an online store tailored specifically to Charleston Race Week, where competitors can prepare with any and all technical apparel team gear.
vineyard vines, the Stamford-based clothing company best known for its whimsical neckties, has stepped up as a presenting sponsor for 2011 Charleston Race Week. “At vineyard vines, we love sailing and we love Charleston, so naturally Charleston Race Week has always been a great fit for us,” said Sponsorship and Experiential Marketing Manager Christine Capone. “Over the years, we’ve enjoyed watching the event’s strong growth and we’re thrilled to see that Charleston Race Week’s organizers and competitors have kept the attitude positive and the event fun.”
Charleston’s waterfront is also pleased to welcome North Sails,the world’s leading sailmaker, to Charleston Race Week as the event’s exclusive sailmaking partner for 2011. “Charleston Race Week has been the talk of the industry for the past couple of years, and it’s the kind of success that North Sails is very happy to support,” said Gary Weisman, North Sails President. North Sails Charleston will have onsite repair facilities to provide overnight repairs for the entire fleet. “We don’t want anyone to miss even one minute of the great racing Charleston has to offer,” said Charleston natives and loft owners Peter and George Durst.
FREE BOAT STORAGE STILL AVAILABLE
Charleston Race partners Azalea Moving and Pierside Boatworks continue to offer free storage for boats that arrive in town early. Conditions apply to both storage solutions, and competitors can find out more here: http://www.charlestonraceweek.com/logistical-planning/storage-haul-launch/. Competitors are urged to make arrangements soon before the free spaces fill up.
EARLY REGISTRATION
The deadline for the early registration discount is January 31, 2011. Competitors are encouraged to sign up now since it is already mid January and time is flying by. With 100 boats already on the entry list, race organizers want to make sure nobody misses out. Competitors may register here: http://www.charlestonraceweek.com/race-entry/race-registration/.
