USMCA NEWS

NEWS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: 2007 CHARLESTON RACE WEEK, APRIL 12-15

30 SEPTEMBER 2006 • Are you looking for a fun-filled, fast-paced and competitive regatta next year? Do you want to go somewhere charming and fun that has great sailing? Well then get ready for 2007’s Charleston Race Week. It is one of the fastest growing regattas in the nation! Charleston Race Week is April 12-15th, 2007 and will be held at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. We are looking to spread the word to Melges 24 sailors about the 2007 event, and we understand that many sailors are looking for an event that is both one-design and PHRF friendly!

Charleston Race Week features great racing and true southern hospitality. Charleston, South Carolina is a top ten destination in the United States with its tricky tides and currents, plus amazing restaurants, shopping and nightlife. We welcome racers from all over the world to join us for inshore and offshore racing and fantastic beach parties all weekend long! You don’t want to miss the Gosling's Rum tiki bar featuring “Dark and Stormies” that will be served all weekend or the amazing seafood buffet, so come join the fun in one of America’s most hospitable locations!

We offer reasonable entry fees, free dockage for the first 50 entries, free dry storage from the end of Key West to the beginning of Charleston Race Week, and additional perks for those entering the Charleston to Bermuda Race in May (free dock space April 15-May 18 and 50% entry fee reduction in C2B if you're doing both). Additionally, if your class is interested in any special considerations (i.e. individual class start) please contact me sooner than later so that we may discuss it with the Charleston Ocean Racing Association officials.

Charleston Race Week 2006 had 148 boats and we are expecting a sharp increase in 2007 based on the limited entries in Miami Race Week. Registration will be open soon at www.charlestonraceweek.com . Please pass this information along to your class association and members to help us make this Charleston Race Week the best one yet. If there are any questions please do not hesitate to call or email me. I can be reached at (843) 722-1030 or bvanliew@scmaritime,org.

Thank you for your support and we hope to see you on the water in April!

Best Regards,

Brad Van Liew
Executive Director, South Carolina Maritime Foundation
Event Director, Charleston Race Week 2007