Sperry Charleston Race Week 2020 cancelled due to Coronavirus concerns

2019 Sperry Charleston Race Week © CRW / Zerogradinord

Sperry Charleston Race Week has built a reputation as one of the world's greatest regattas by consistently delivering excellence both on and off the water.

Over the past week, it became clear to organizers it would be difficult to replicate the quality Sperry Charleston Race Week experience sailors have come to expect. That is due to the unprecedented situation surrounding the novel coronavirus and the numerous safety precautions being put in place by various municipalities.

After much thoughtful consideration and deliberation, event director Randy Draftz has announced that Sperry Charleston Race Week 2020 has been cancelled. This would have been the regatta's 25th anniversary and Draftz was unwilling to commemorate that milestone by running an event that was compromised in any way.

"It is with great regret that due to current circumstances created by the coronavirus we are having to cancel our event," Draftz said. "It's incredible what we are all experiencing at this time, and our health has to come first."

Sperry Charleston Race Week 2020 was scheduled for April 23-26 with headquarters based, as always, at Charleston Harbor and Resort in Mount Pleasant. After discussions with various stakeholders along with local government officials, it became apparent to Draftz that restrictions put in place nationwide and in the state of South Carolina would make it almost impossible to conduct a major four-day regatta during that time period.

Draftz explored the possibility of postponing Sperry Charleston Race Week 2020 in order to buy time for the situation to stabilize, but it became obvious quite quickly that option would not work.

"Frankly, the event's scale doesn't allow for a postponement, so we will just have to wait until April 8th through April 11th, 2021," Draftz said. Please save the date and rest assured that the 25th anniversary celebration will surpass your expectations of this great event! Draftz noted that organizers already have some significant activations starting to set up.

Draftz said registered boat owners have two choices regarding their entry fee. Skippers can apply this year's entry fee to next year's regatta or can receive a refund through PayPal. Competitors are asked to notify the organizing authority of their decision either via email to info@charlestonyachting.com.

"We apologize for not being able to host this year's Sperry Charleston Race Week, but believe me there is no way we could have made this event happen in the format and quality you have grown to expect," Draftz said. "It's going to be quite a spring for our sport. Use this time wisely and be ready for when the nation exits this event. Very much looking forward to seeing everyone next year and thank you for standing by us in the toughest of times."

More information at charlestonraceweek.com.