Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point Trophies

Each year, Charleston Race Week at Patriot’s Point celebrates not only the thrill of competition but also the sailors whose skill, strategy, and sportsmanship set them apart. Among the many awards presented throughout the regatta, two perpetual trophies hold special distinction — honoring exceptional performance and preserving the event’s rich traditions.

The Charleston Race Week Cup, also known as the One-Design Boat of the Week trophy, is awarded to the standout performer in the one-design fleets. This honor recognizes the boat that delivers the most exceptional and consistent results in a class where every vessel is evenly matched, and every race demands precision, teamwork, and tactical excellence.

The Palmetto Cup is one of Charleston’s most prestigious sailing awards, steeped in local maritime heritage. Presented to the top performer in the most competitive handicap fleet, this trophy carries a proud legacy that reaches back to the earliest days of the regatta. Winning the Palmetto Cup is a testament to a crew’s mastery of strategy, adaptability, and seamanship in a field where diverse boats are brought together under a shared handicap system.