New East Coast Ocean Series announced for Spring 2015

by Julianna Barbieri on 9 Dec 2014 Race organizers of three U.S. east coast offshore races: the new Fort Lauderdale to Charleston, the new Ocean Race North and the well-established Annapolis to Newport race confirmed their plans to team up and create the East Coast Ocean Series. In addition, Manuka Sports Event Management confirmed their plans for the inaugural edition of Ocean Race North, a new offshore race running north from Charleston to Annapolis to start May 22.

East Coast Ocean Series ties three offshore events together to create an overall point standings and trophy for sailors to race from Florida up to Newport between April and June. The first offshore race in the series is Fort Lauderdale to Charleston starting on April 11. Upon arrival in Charleston, teams will have the option of competing in Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week. Ocean Race North will be the second leg of the Series followed by the 35th edition of the Annapolis to Newport Race slated to start on June 5th.

To participate in the series a boat must race in all three legs, however the same sailors do not need to be on board for all three races. A final Awards Party and Trophy Presentation will be held in Newport following the Annapolis-Newport Race. Signing up for the series is free and can be completed when signing up for the Fort Lauderdale to Charleston Race.

Ocean Race North was created to bring boats north after the winter sailing season and it will be the middle leg in the newly formed East Coast Ocean Series. The newly formed race will start Saturday, May 22nd from Charleston, South Carolina. The 512 nautical mile course will send boats from Charleston to Annapolis, Maryland. The race is open to ORR and Class 40 boats. Entry details and Notice of Race can be found online.

Manuka Sports Event Management Founder and Managing Partner, Hugh Piggin

At Manuka, we have long held the belief in promoting offshore racing in the United States. And so, once we decided to move the Atlantic Cup to a biennial event, we knew there would be a need for an event to bring boats north after the winter, which is how Ocean Race North came about. Following our initial announcement, we heard from organizers of the A2N and FtL2Chs floating the idea that perhaps we could tie together three races to solidify the east coast spring offshore calendar. It made perfect sense to tie these events together and create a unique series to further grow offshore racing and so we are excited to be able to team up with CORA and the Annapolis Yacht Club to create the East Coast Ocean Series.

Fort Lauderdale to Charleston and Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week Race Director, Randy Draftz

We’re excited that with the creation of the Fort Lauderdale to Charleston race, there’s a new way to get sailors, their boats and crews to Charleston in time to enjoy Race Week. The Fort Lauderdale to Charleston race is also a great first leg of the East Coast Ocean Series. The race starts Saturday April 11th, which is the Saturday before Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week (April 16th-19th). And if you’re not keen on buoy racing, you can sign up for Race Week’s Pursuit Class and of course you can then enjoy the next leg, Ocean Race North, up to Annapolis.

Annapolis to Newport Race Organizer, Dick Neville, stated

Annapolis looks forward to welcoming all East Coast Ocean Series and Ocean Race North participants. Competitors planning on racing in the Annapolis to Newport Race will be hosted by members of the A2N Hospitality Committee.