Charleston to Bermuda Race to Start on Friday
The Charleston to Bermuda Race, also known as C2B, is a 777 nautical mile blue water
adventure, leaving the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina headed for the
tropical beauty of Bermuda. The race is devoted to providing fun for all participants
and an ultra-inclusive racing atmosphere. The Spirit of South Carolina tall ship
will participate in the C2B for the first time ever in 2009.
Meaghan Van Liew
mvanliew@scmaritime.org
Charleston to Bermuda Race Celebrates Amity Between Two Maritime Communities
CHARLESTON, South Carolina (May 28, 2009)
When the classic cannon booms over
Charleston Harbor at noon Friday, May 29, it will signal the start of the seventh
Charleston to Bermuda Race - a 777-mile romp due east from the Carolina Lowcountry
to the distant isles of Bermuda. That blast will also signal the beginning of a
marvelous offshore sailing adventure for crews on board the six vessels entered
in this biennial race, among them the palmetto state's own wooden tall ship, The
Spirit of South Carolina.
The C2B, as this contest is known informally, was first held in 1997, and since
then has served to further unite these two port communities. Charleston and Bermuda
share a history steeped in maritime deeds, and both locations continue to play important
roles in maritime commerce and culture as well as the sport of sailing. The C2B
race exists in part as a celebration of this enduring bond. Affirming that connection,
Bermuda's Deputy Governor, Mark Capes, and the head of the Bermuda Tourism Board,
E. Michael Jones, both traveled to Charleston for the start of the race. Also representing
Bermuda are several officers from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
What these dignitaries will witness from the start line on Friday is a diverse fleet
of sailing craft ranging in size from 41 to 140 feet, with both cruising and racing
designs that hail from homeports as distant as Newport, R.I.; Lake Kegonsa, Wisc.;
and Houston, Texas. The best location for viewing the start of the race is the south
dock of the Charleston Maritime center.
Though the action on the starting line is apt to be highly competitive, that's the
exception more than the rule in this race. In every edition of the event since its
inception, the organizers have placed a decided emphasis on fun and safety, rather
than cutthroat competition.
"This event has always been about the enjoyment and challenge of going to sea, rather
than about winning or losing," explained Brad Van Liew, Executive Director of the
South Carolina Maritime Foundation, which owns and manages the race. "It offers
challenging navigation because you have to contend with the Gulf Stream and our
transitional weather, but it's also very satisfying because you end up in one of
the most splendid islands in the world."
The first finishers are expected to reach Bermuda by the middle of next week. A
gala awards celebration for the competitors and their supporters is scheduled to
take place at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on Saturday, June 6. Anyone interested
in following the progress of the C2B fleet can track the boats by logging on to
the event's website (www.charlestontobermuda.com and clicking on the iboattrack.com link. Daily updates will also be posted on the website.
The Charleston to Bermuda Race is sponsored by Bermuda Tourism, Gosling's Rum, the
Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, and Bauer International. The event receives vital
support from The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. The race is open to every seaworthy boat
30 feet and longer.
The owner and organizing authority for the Charleston to Bermuda Race is the South
Carolina Maritime Foundation (SCMF). SCMF is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization whose
mission is offering unique experiential education for South Carolina students, encouraging
responsibility, teamwork, and other attributes that are necessary for developing
future leaders. The foundation's other programs include Charleston Race Week, Charleston
Harbor Fest, The Spirit Ball and the Captain's Cup Golf Tournament.
South Carolina Maritime Foundation | PO Box 22405 | Charleston | SC | 29413
07.06.2009 - Charleston to Bermuda Racers Celebrate at Gala Prize-Giving in Bermuda
04.06.2009 - Tohidu Crowned Overall Winner as C2B Race Ends
29.05.2009 - Charleston to Bermuda Racers Get Underway
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