Regatta within a regatta in Charleston

The 30th edition of Charleston Race Week in 2026 is adding a unique element to the iconic event with the inaugural ORC Sportboat North American Championship which has attracted some of the world’s fastest mid-sized designs for four days of racing. Organizers have dubbed it a “regatta within a regatta” with the two ORC Sportboat classes pursuing continental titles in Charleston, SC.
Extending the typical 3-day schedule allows the championship to begin with a distance race on April 16 designed specifically for the two ORC classes.
“PRO Mark Deguire will be charged with setting a distance course ranging from 15.9 to 23.2 miles in length (based on weather conditions) within Charleston Harbor,” explained Matt Gallagher, Deputy Chairman of ORC. “The tour of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers will challenge skippers and crews.
“This is an important feature for us. ‘Offshore’ is in our name, so we feel our championship events must include a race that demonstrates skills in navigation, strategy, sail selections, and seamanship that is not normally tested in windward-leeward racing." - Full report