Good news, Charleston. Following a cancelation in 2020 and a scaled-back event in 2021, Charleston Race Week is returning in full force this year. This year’s 26th edition of Charleston Race Week is expected to seas the day, or weekend, that is.

Held April 28 through May 1, the annual sailing competition is recognized as the largest keelboat regatta in North America, attracting sailors from all over the world to partake in races + festivities.

Kicking off with a practice day on Thursday, Charleston Race week hosts races on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Many boats have been in town since last week to prepare. Not to mention the Beach Parties held in the evenings featuring Gosling Rum and live music.

Various local businesses + restaurants are supporting the three-day regatta, including The Longboard and Royall Ace Hardware.

Here’s a look at the event by the numbers.

200. The number of boats expected to participate
186. The total number of registrants as of Tuesday
15. The number of classes expected to participate
4. The number of inshore race courses
2. The number of offshore race courses

While the event brings sailors from across the nation and the world, including Seattle, British Columbia, and the Cayman Islands, various participants register with home ports of Charleston, Hilton Head, and Columbia.

It’s safe to say the organizers come prepared. Charleston Race Week works with the College of Charleston Sailing Program to offer a briefing on local need-to-knows, including current + weather information, as well as the Charleston Harbor Pilots Association to familiarize sailors with local commercial traffic.

Speaking of which: The College of Charleston offshore sailing team will be fielding two different boats at the event. Did you know that the College has one of the top intercollegiate sailing programs in the country? Read about the team.