From staff reports
For more than half a century there has been an “open” sailboat racing regatta held in Beaufort. That tradition will continue this weekend as the Lowcountry Regatta returns to the Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club for it’s 56th running.
There will be a Welcome recption Friday night, with racing Saturday and Sunday.
An “open” sailboat racing regatta has been held yearly since the 1940s or before. This regatta was initially held downtown Beaufort until 1967 when many of the sailing member families founded Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club (BYSC) on Lady’s Island, and BYSC became responsible for hosting the regatta. The Lowcountry Regatta is also supported by South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association (SAYRA).
The sailboats in the early days were usually Sunfish, E Scows, Force Fives and other popular classes of the times. Now, the event draws many of the newer classes as entries – Optimist prams, O’Pen Skiffs, Lasers, Sunfish, MC Scows, Lightnings, Sea Island One Designs, Highlanders, Y Flyers, Snipes, 420’s, VXs and maybe new this year, Thistles and Flying Scots.
With entries usually near 100, it equates to several hundred people on the club grounds, enjoying the racing, viewing and attending the special Lowcountry Boil with a band that is held on Saturday nights.
Lowcountry Regatta
June 23-25, 2023, The Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club
Welcome Reception on Friday; racing on Saturday and Sunday
Eligibility
– The event is open to one-design dinghy sailboats.
– Invited classes: Highlander, Melges 15, MC Scow, Lightning, Flying Scot, Thistle, SIOD, Y Flyer, Snipe, Laser ILCA (full rig, radial, 4.7), O’Pen Skiff, VX Evo, VX1, 420, Sunfish, JY15, and Optimists. Additional classes are welcome on a case-by-case basis. Three class boats are required to constitute a class and be eligible for awards.
– Juniors and Seniors are eligible to compete, using SAYRA age guidelines.
– Registration, NOR and other documents will be available on Regatta Network no later than April 15.
Sailing area
– Beaufort River between Mark G “41” and Mark G “241A”.
– There will be three race circles with classes assigned to circles based on their sailing characteristics.
– Classes will race separately. PRO may combine class starts if circumstances dictate.
Social and Meals
– Guests will become temporary members of BYSC upon registration
– Commodores Reception on Friday night
– Complimentary continental breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
– Box lunches available on Saturday and Sunday*
– Saturday Social and Dinner featuring Famous Lowcountry Boil* with live entertainment
*Minimal Fee
