U.S. Melges 24 Class Association

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Charleston Race Week Welcomes Support from New Community Partnership 2024 Race Entries Growing Fast!

Between April 18-21, hundreds of sailors from all corners of North America and beyond will descend on one of the finest sailboat racing destinations in the US – Charleston, South Carolina — for world-class racing and fun parties. A new partnership between Charleston Race Week and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum was recently announced and we are excited to share with our competitors, friends, and supporters the following video which highlights the partnership: https://youtu.be/XrT7uYOaSSg?si=5oPbLA-N0uKOryO1

Now in its 29th year, many of our regular competitors are already signed up for the 2024 edition of Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point. For those of you who haven’t yet, be sure to take advantage of Early Bird Pricing which ends January 31. To date, over one hundred boats are registered and we’re aiming for two hundred!

We welcome those who are competing for the first time and assure you that Charleston Race Week will not disappoint: challenging conditions, varied breeze, warm weather, and excellent race management are the hallmarks of this internationally acclaimed regatta.

In 2024, competitors will have full access to the USS Yorktown where all CRW social activities will be held – we don’t know of any sailing event anywhere in the world held in such a unique venue! Given that the event draws competitors from over 27 states and 12 countries to become one of the largest keelboat regattas in the Western Hemisphere, the scale of CRW requires a large venue to accommodate the 1000+ sailors, families and friends who come to Charleston just for this regatta.

It’s been a challenge to find the space that the event needs to both entertain and provide a solid operational base for the race committee, media, and some two hundred volunteers; our partnership with Patriots Point/USS Yorktown offers us a great new home central to the water. We acknowledge unforeseen issues that occurred during the first trial at the event’s new home last year; the CRW team have worked hard to ensure that in 2024, CRW hospitality will be at its usual standard.

“After 29 years, my own passion for the event remains strong, given the opportunities the scale of this event provides like our new partnership with Patriots Point,” Randy Draftz, Regatta Chair commented. “Charleston Race Week sets the standard for race management and overall competitor experience, and we’re thrilled to support charitable causes: youth sailing, environmental education, and maritime heritage.”

Early registration for Charleston Race Week 2024 at Patriots Point ends on Wednesday, January 31. Take advantage of the discounted entry fee by registering online.