Boat racing is an ancient tradition, and sailing regattas are more than popular than ever. In the United States, there are many famous sailing regattas joined and attended by people worldwide. Here are 12 of best sailing regattas held in the United States each year:
Key West Race Week – Key West, Florida
This event, which many rank just behind the Olympics and America’s Cup in terms of importance, is a fan-friendly week of nonstop sailing action. It is one of the most prestigious sailing regattas on the international calendar. Held in January, Key West Race Week opens the year for regattas across the country.
Washington’s Birthday Regatta – Southwest Florida
Throughout the years the Intracoastal Waterway has been the course of choice for many regattas, the Washington’s Birthday Regatta being the most notable. The boats in this regatta are state-of-the-art. The races start and finish on the shores of Palm Beach Island and end in West Palm Beach. As the name goes, it is conducted on Washington’s Birthday in the month of February.
National Offshore One-Design – Nine city sailboat racing circuit
NOOD (National Offshore One-Design) regattas attract close to 2,000 boats and more than 30,000 competitors and spectators annually. Each event in the series features three days of sailboat racing for one-design models from 20 to 70 feet in length. NOOD kicks-off annually in the month of February. It is the largest, most competitive racing circuit in North America.
Figawi Race – Hyannis, MA
Figawi Race Weekend is recognized as a top sailing event not only on the east coast but also nationally and internationally. In the month of May, this annual Memorial Day race has been a mainstay in Cape Cod for nearly three dozen years, making it a favorite spectator event for locals and visitors alike. Events highlighting the race include post race parties and, of course, a clambake.
Whiskeytown Regatta – Whiskeytown Lake, Redding CA
Also on Memorial Day weekend is the annual Whiskeytown Regatta in Redding, California. This regatta includes water sport competitions and wind surfing. Pre-race and post-race festivities include a light parade, dinner, raffle and awards ceremony.
Block Island Race week – Rhode Island
One of the nation’s most revered sailing competitions is the Storm Trysail Club’s biennial Block Island Race Week. The event traditionally offers five days of both handicap and one-design racing every June.
Lighthouse Charity Regatta – Lake Hefner, Oklahoma
Lake Hefner Challenge Cup is an opportunity for local businesses to actively participate in sailboat racing while supporting the Lighthouse Charity Regatta as Gold Sponsors. The charity regatta is held June in each year.
Long Beach Race Week – Long Beach, California
Long Beach Race Week (LBRW) is an annual sailing regatta for keelboats and ocean racing catamarans. It is the final leg of the major Southern California regattas and is the West Coast’s largest keelboat regatta. It is conducted annually at the end of June.
Larchmont Race Week - Larchmont Yacht Club, New York
Larchmont Race Week was inaugurated for the purpose of encouraging yacht racing and bringing together yachts on the Atlantic Coast every July. This week of sailing is the crown jewel of the Club’s sailing calendar and a continuation of a century-old social experience.
Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race – Michigan
Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race is recognized is one of the most challenging freshwater sailing races in the world. Travel along the shores of Michigan’s eastern coast and join the festivities at the finish line on Mackinac Island. The hospitality and celebration on the island is always second to none. The races are held in July.
Youngstown Level Regatta - Youngstown, New York
Youngstown Level Regatta, a world class event, was spawned by the IOR Ton Class ‘one-design’ racing format. The Youngstown Level Regatta has evolved into one of the largest keelboat regattas in North America. With free music and very inexpensive adult beverages for the weekend, the party (rumored to have once been on the Rolling Stone top ten best parties list) is as world class as competition itself. The regatta is held annually in July.
Columbus Day Regatta – Miami, Florida
The Columbus Day Regatta weekend is a weekend like none other in Biscayne Bay, South Florida or in the continental United States. Held in October, many professional partygoers have claimed that this event makes Mardi Gras in New Orleans look tame.
To find boat slips available for rent in any of these top regatta destinations, search our boat slip database for premiere boat slip rentals. For tips on searching for the perfect slip, read our article on boat slip search tips.
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