National recognition celebrates the perfect combination of competitive racing, unforgettable shoreside festivities, and one of America's most remarkable sailing destinations.
Apparently, there's more to a great regatta than what happens on the racecourse. And Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point has the national recognition to prove it!
In a recent feature published by Great Lakes Bike Ski Boat, Charleston Race Week was named among the 10 Best Regatta Parties in the U.S., earning the No. 3 spot alongside some of the country's most celebrated sailing traditions.
Topping the list were two legendary Great Lakes events, the Bayview Mackinac Race and the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. And we'll happily tip our hats to our friends in the Midwest. After all, those sailors know a thing or two about throwing a party!
But when winter settles over the Great Lakes and the boats are tucked away for the season, there's another destination worth putting on the racing calendar.
Charleston, South Carolina. In April.
Think warm spring breezes, spectacular sailing on Charleston Harbor, Southern hospitality, and one of America's most celebrated destination cities.
And yes, we party on an aircraft carrier.
How many regattas can say that?
At Charleston Race Week, the historic USS Yorktown, docked at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, provides a backdrop unlike anything else in competitive sailing. With panoramic views of Charleston Harbor, spectacular sunsets, music, and sailors gathering from across the country and beyond, the festivities are every bit as memorable as the racing.
Of course, Charleston Race Week has never been just about the parties. The event brings together highly competitive one-design and handicap fleets for exceptional racing in one of the country's most distinctive sailing venues.
And when the racing is done? Charleston and Mount Pleasant offer an extraordinary mix of restaurants, waterfront destinations, history, and Lowcountry charm.
It's the combination that makes Charleston Race Week special: outstanding competition on the water, unforgettable camaraderie ashore, and a destination that makes the entire experience worth the trip.
So, congratulations to our friends on the Great Lakes. We'll see you on Mackinac Island in July.
But first, how about Charleston in April? That said, registration for Charleston Race Week 2027 is officially open. Make plans to join us at Patriots Point for a regatta unlike any other.
