Sail Around The Buoys In One Of Charleston's Yacht Races
The Charleston harbor is known for being one of the best natural harbors in the South East. With nearly every day having onshore breezes in the 10-15 knot range, combined with flat water, the conditions are perfect for sailboat racing. With over 30 races scheduled each year there is a yacht race almost every weekend.
Booking is based on the racing schedule put out by Charleston Ocean Racing Association. We add to our online calendar every Wednesday night race but if you wish to participate in the spring, fall and winter races on weekends let us know well in advance as we book up months out. Harbor races are typically 2 to 2.5 hours dock to dock, offshore races can take all day or an entire weekend.
The yacht racing rates are based on our standard harbor cruise rates and are private as well, only you and your guests and crew will be on the boat. Race starts are at specific times and those times vary throughout the year. In order to get you on the boat and ready for the start we need to depart the dock at minimum 45 minutes prior to the start of the race, if we miss the start, we are out of the race. Most races take place in the harbor but many are offshore and can include multiple days. The cruising class we compete in is extremely fun to be part of, we race against many boats of similar size and some much smaller. Fate is equipped with standard cruising sails and an asymmetric cruising spinnaker allowing her to compete in any winds. As a guest aboard Fate, you can participate in the racing if you choose or just sit back, relax, have a glass of wine and watch all the excitement. Great for families and team building exercise for your business associates, your friends and family will remember the experience forever. Remember, just because were “racing” does’nt mean were going any faster than a normal charter. Most of the time we are sailing around 6-7mph.
May, June, July & August is the Summer Series where we race each Wednesday night departing at 5:15pm for 2.5 hours, then get together at the Charleston Yacht Club afterwards for awards, burgers, drinks and a little socializing.
In April, Charleston hosts the ever growing Charleston Race Week. With over 300 boats, 2,000 competitors, 300 volunteers, and the most Goslings Rum consumed at any regatta in the U.S., it is definitely the highlight of the racing season. Charter the yacht for the entire 4 days or take a half day sail offshore to see the big boats in action. Contact us for details as you’ll need to book about 4 months out to secure the race and all 4 days.
There are 6 offshore overnight races throughout the year, this includes overnight trips to Georgetown, Savannah, and our favorite, Bohicket.
Races are organized through Charleston Ocean Racing Association aka CORA
Year Round Yacht Racing on Fate
Here is one of our summer series races recorded from two angles.
Summer series races on Wed nights depart at 5:15pm, and we’re back to the dock at sunset.
Book early as this is one of our most popular charters and only 12 summer series races per year!
