What to Know Before You Go: Official Event Schedule for Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point 2026
©Jim Vickers / Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Charleston/Mt. Pleasant, SC (2026 April 10) - As the 30th anniversary of Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point approaches, the schedule is set and the stage is officially built for one of the most anticipated sailboat racing events in the country.
From early arrivals and midweek gatherings to several full days of racing on Charleston Harbor, this year’s format blends high-level competition with an elevated shoreside experience, designed to keep teams connected, informed, and fully immersed from start to finish.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
EARLY ARRIVAL + ORC SPORTBOAT KICKOFF
Racing may not begin until later in the week, but momentum starts building Wednesday evening, April 15th.
Teams competing in the ORC Sportboat North American Championship will convene for their official skippers meeting, on the fantail of the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. Teams can mix and mingle with race management and reconnect before the real racing begins. It’s an important first opportunity ahead of a dedicated championship schedule to get aligned, engage with fellow competitors, and settle into the rhythm of the Race Week.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
DISTANCE RACING + FULL FLEET BRIEFING
Thursday, April 16th delivers a dynamic start to the on-the-water action with the ORC Sportboat NAC distance race—an early test that sets the tone for the entire championship.
Later that afternoon, all competitors will gather aboard the iconic USS Yorktown for the full regatta skippers meeting.
New to the schedule this year is the PRO Meet & Greet—a casual, open-format session designed to connect sailors directly with their race officers and circle management. As the opening party gets underway, teams will have the chance to engage with their respective PROs, ask questions, and gain valuable insight into how each circle will be run in the days ahead.
It’s a simple addition, but one that enhances clarity of communication and overall execution for race management, as well as for the participants—THE stakeholders of Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
RACING BEGINS + A SHORESIDE EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER
Friday marks the first official day of racing across all circles—and the energy ramps up immediately.
Once boats return to shore, the regatta village comes to life with racing debriefs, complimentary cocktails from Mount Gay Rum, and food service—a full evening program.
Daily race debriefs will be a cornerstone of this year’s experience. Led by Greg Fisher of The Sailing Inc., these sessions may go beyond a single voice, bringing in perspectives from across the race circles to unpack the day’s racing, conditions, and key takeaways.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
FULL FLEET RACING + APRES RACING/REGATTA VILLAGE PARTY
Saturday, April 18th delivers another full day on the water, followed by a relaxed but high-energy evening ashore. The post-race gathering begins at 6:00 PM aboard the USS Yorktown with Mount Gay Rum, music, and food trucks on site—creating a more casual, festival-style atmosphere in the regatta village. It marks a typical shift from the traditional format, giving teams, families, and friends the flexibility to explore Charleston and Mount Pleasant’s world-renown dining scene and culinary offerings, while still maintaining and experiencing all that defines Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point.
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP RACING + CROWNING THE WINNERS
Championship Sunday brings everything to the line. Final races will determine not only the winners of each class, but also crown the next ORC Sportboat North American Champion, alongside top one-design finishers, Corinthian division leaders, and the prestigious Palmetto Cup winner. It’s the culmination of four days of competition, and a defining moment in this milestone 30th anniversary edition.
ALREADY LOOKING AHEAD: 2027
As the fleet packs up and Charleston Harbor settles, the focus will already begin to shift forward. The next edition of Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point is currently scheduled for April 22–25, 2027—continuing a legacy that has defined spring sailing for three decades and counting. Save the Date!
