Expansion of ORC Sportboat Class at Charleston Race Week at Patriot’s Point

Charleston Race Week at Patriot’s Point is thrilled to announce an exciting expansion of the ORC Sportboat Class for the 2026 ORC Sportboat North American Championship.
Photo: Ty Baird Media / https://www.tybaird.media

Charleston/Mt. Pleasant, SC (2025 November 20) - Charleston Race Week at Patriot’s Point is thrilled to announce an exciting expansion of the ORC Sportboat Class for the 2026 ORC Sportboat North American Championship that will be hosted during the 30th anniversary edition of Race Week next April 16-19.

In consultation with the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC), Race Week has modified the dimension definitions of the ORC sportboat category to better reflect the range of popular U.S. designs suitable for a North American Championship. Length overall may now range from 6 meters to 10 meters, and maximum displacement in measurement trim is now set at 2,300 kg. This represents a modification of the ORC Sportboat Class Rules.

With these expanded parameters, boats such as Farr 30s, Cape 31s, Melges 32s, Hobie 33s, and other custom and production sportboat designs are now welcome and eligible to compete.

“We’ve seen a tremendous level of growth and interest in recent years, especially with the Cape 31 and Melges 32 fleets,” said Randy Draftz, Event Director for Charleston Race Week. “Expanding the ORC Sportboat definitions ensures these teams can compete at the highest level and brings even more talent into what will be an outstanding North American Championship.”

The 2026 ORC Sportboat North American Championship will feature a four-day racing format. The Skippers’ Meeting will be held on the evening of Wednesday, April 15, followed by an ORC Sportboat Distance Race on Thursday to kick off the regatta. In response to the expanded eligibility, race management is excited and already thinking about an enhanced distance-race course that will showcase the diversity and performance range of this fleet.

“Congratulations to the CRW OA for their innovation and creativity in redefining U.S. parameters, opening the door for a wider range of designs to compete in the ORC Sportboat class,” said Taran Teague, Charleston Race Week at Patriot’s Point, Event PRO.

With this expansion, now is the perfect time to commit to racing in the 30th anniversary edition of Charleston Race Week at Patriot’s Point. Teams that register before January 31 will receive a reduced entry fee, making early registration the smartest, and most cost-effective way to secure a spot on the starting line. There’s truly no better moment to enter and get ready for an unforgettable week of racing.

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