CHARLESTON RACE WEEK ON PACE FOR ANOTHER RECORD YEAR

Organizers plan for onslaught of out-of-town sailors

CHARLESTON, SC (April 4, 2008) Bucking the downward participation trend at major regattas across the nation, Charleston Race Week is headed toward a
third straight record-setting year for 2008.  Event Director and
Round-The-World racer Brad Van Liew is excited to host more than 150 teams
for another year.  "We are incredibly happy to see so many folks supporting
this great event,"  said Brad.  "Despite higher fuel prices and an unsure
economy, our out-of town competitors and local fleets are showing us just
how much they enjoy racing in Charleston."

TIDE AND CURRENTS SEMINAR LEVELS PLAYING FIELD
The most challenging part of racing in Charleston is the ever-present tidal
current, which can run at up to 3 knots in places - giving a big advantage
to local teams.  To help visiting teams on both the harbor and ocean courses
better compete at Charleston Race Week,  organizers have asked top racing
coach Michael Miller to give a short "chalk talk" to competitors as they
prepare for the event.  "Everyone wants great competition, and a little
knowledge of how and when the tidal streams flow will go a long way towards
improving results," said Miller.  The seminar will be held at Charleston
Harbor Resort & Marina at both 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM on Thursday, April 17th, immediately before the Skippers Meeting, and is sponsored by Pinnacle Sailing.

TALL SHIP JOINS RACING ACTION
While South Carolina's own Tall Ship won't be competing at Charleston Race Week, the beautiful schooner got into the "Spirit" of racing last weekend, joining the PHRF handicap fleet for the Charleston Ocean Racing Organization's first offshore race of the year - the Spring Ocean Race.  "Seeing the Spirit of South Carolina on the course with dozens of modern race boats was just amazing," said Meredith Block, a local sailing photographer.  "I think visitors will really enjoy having her on the water during Charleston Race Week, even if she's a spectator boat instead of a competitor."

ABOUT CHARLESTON RACE WEEK
Charleston Race Week is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation
and the Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA). All profits from the
event support educational programs aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, a
classic tall ship serving South Carolina's youth.  Charleston Race Week is
sponsored by Raymarine, Gosling's Rum, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina,
Vineyard Vines, the Town of Mt. Pleasant, West Marine, Hall Marine Group, and Azalea Moving & Storage. Check out www.charlestonraceweek.com for more information, including Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, and logistical information.

# # #

If you'd like more information about Charleston Race Week, or to schedule an
interview, please call the South Carolina Maritime Foundation at 843/722.1030, or send an e-mail to mvanliew@scmaritime.org.

 

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