Getting Ready for Sperry-Top Sider® Charleston Race Week
Charleston, South Carolina (April 9, 2014) — Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the largest regatta of its kind in the Western Hemisphere:
Get a grip on the local conditions: Get prepped on the local tides and currents by taking in Quantum Racing TP-52 skipper and America’s Cup winner Ed Baird’s presentation at 5:00 on Thursday at the main stage in the Regatta Village. Baird will be joined by College of Charleston Sailing Coach Mitch Hall. And, you can always check out the comprehensive video online created by local sailor, pro racer, obsessive fisherman, and sailing coach Michael Miller. Miller’s 20-minute video is easy to watch and covers almost everything you’d want to know about Charleston’s tricky tidal currents. (It was produced for the competitors at Charleston Race Week 2012, and it’s still an important resource.) Check it out on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBSbX8UTqdA.
Take advantage of the freebies: Did you know that Torqeedo – the manufacturer of the first industrially developed electric motors for high-performance vessels – will be raffling off one of its Travel 1003 electric motors? Just stop by the Torqeedo booth to sign up. And if you already own one of these efficient engines, the company wants to give your engine a FREE inspection and software upgrade. Stop by the Torqeedo booth to make an appointment. And speaking of raffles,Gosling’s Rum is raffling off three very cool 26 quart coolers. All you have to do is stop by the Gosling’s booth and take a brief survey on one of the iPads and you’ll be signed up. They’ll raffle off one each night.
Fine-tune your racing brain: On Friday and Saturday at 5:30 after racing, Ed Baird will present a debrief of the day’s action at the main stage on the beach. He’ll be out on the racecourse during the day, taking notes and making observations, all of which will translate into his tips on course management.
Check out the daily highlights on video at the Sperry Top-Sider Tent: Catch the highlights of the day on the 70-inch screen in the Sperry Top-Sider tent on the beach Friday and Saturday at 6:00 p.m.. And while you’re there, check out the latest high-tech footwear for racing sailors.
Need a pumpout? Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week has partnered with Charleston Waterkeeper to make sure your boat doesn’t have to carry anything extra around the race course. If your’s is a boat with a holding tank, get in touch with No. 2, (843.608.9287) and talk to Capt. Herman Miller to arrange a pumpout.
Try a Little Team Racing: On Saturday at 6:00, just off the Wedding Pier at the south end of the Regatta Village, we’ll be putting on a team racing exhibition with the 2012 National Team Racing Champions from the College of Charleston taking on all comers. Want to put together a team and join in? You can do that. Just contact Zeke Horowitz to make that happen (zhorowitz90@gmail.com). Otherwise, just wander over there with your Gosling’s Rum drink and enjoy the show.
