Global Ocean Race Leg 4 - Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina to host

by Oliver Dewar on 19 Apr 2012 Global Ocean Race 2011-12 (GOR) fleet will cross the Leg 4 finish line, off Charleston, and head directly to the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in Mount Pleasant after 6,000 miles and around 33 days of racing from Punta del Este, Uruguay, to South Carolina, USA.

For the two weeks that the GOR fleet will spend in Charleston, the teams will be based at the 459-berth Charleston Harbour Resort and Marina in preparation for Leg 5 across the North Atlantic from Charleston to Les Sables d’Olonne, France, and the finish of the nine-month, 30,000-mile circumnavigation. The GOR boats have already made three stops in South Africa, New Zealand and Uruguay since the race began in Palma, Mallorca, last September, and the stay in Charleston is always a highlight of the race around the globe – the temperate May climate mirrored by the truly warm Southern welcome that the local people extend to sailors.

The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, just a short water taxi ride across the harbour from the grandeur of downtown Charleston, will play host for both the GOR fleet and the Race Organisers with the GOR Race Office housed within the complex. Situated on the outskirts of historic Mount Pleasant, the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina is perfectly located to access the many attractions that the area has to offer. Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum is close by with the World War II Aircraft Carrier USS Yorktown towering above the low country scenery. The GOR sailors will also be just a short drive away from the magical white sand beaches of Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms. Although they will be busy getting their boats ready for the final leg of the race, the GOR sailors could not be better situated to enjoy the many pleasures that this wonderful corner of America can offer for some well-deserved time The Charleston Yacht Club will once again be the host Yacht Club for the GOR, helping to man the finish line of Leg 4 and manage the start line of Leg 5 on May 19th.

The GOR’s Race Director, Josh Hall, knows Charleston well: 'We are extremely grateful to the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina for hosting the GOR and welcome them onboard as Race Partners,' says Hall. 'The facilities are as stunning as the view across Charleston Harbour,' he adds. 'This is the second time the GOR has visited Charleston and we are looking forward to seeing all our friends there, especially at the Charleston Yacht Club who are once again being of great assistance.'

Tracy Mitchell, Director of Sales and Marketing Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina is looking forward to welcoming the fleet to south Carolina: 'Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina is honored to be selected as the home to both the GOR fleet as well as the race organizers,' she comments. 'Our full service marina will be the perfect place to call home for a few weeks with access to all the resort amenities,' adds Mitchell. 'We look forward to hosting this international crowd and encourage guests and spectators to stay with us and learn more about this wonderful Global Ocean Race website