Mount Pleasant Magazine Fall 2011

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I n MID-AprIl, WHEn
traditionally Americans are
racing to file their income tax
returns, sailors are racing to
catch the Charleston Harbor
wind in what is now the largest keel
board sailing regatta in the United
States.
The popularity of the Sperry Top-
Sider Charleston Race Week, organized
by the South Carolina Maritime
Foundation and the Charleston Ocean
Racing Association, has continued to
grow since the first event in 1996. Held
at Mount Pleasant’s Charleston Harbor
Resort & Marina, it attracts competi-
tors from across the country, and those
who attend once usually return.
Officials counted up to 270 boats
registered at the 2011 version of the an-
nual event, from darting, 22-foot Vipers
to 42-foot Beneteaus. Why do so many
sailors show up for Race Week? You
can start with Charleston, one of the
top 10 U.S. cities, according to Condé
Nast Traveler; move on to the hospitable
| |
Charleston
SkipperS & CrewS Come for TighT raCing andwarm SunShine
By merediTh armSTrong
Sperry Top-Sider
Charleston Race Week
Creates Sailing
Memories
raCeWeek