In 2021, CORA wanted to create an event to give back to the community.  At a fleet captains meeting, it was decided to focus on the military and have a regatta to celebrate our freedom and share the joy of sailboat racing with those who protect our country.

This meaningful regatta will allow active military and veterans to experience sailboat racing firsthand on the Charleston Harbor. Those not racing will be able to watch the regatta from the beautiful Charleston Princess viewing yacht.

The Regatta will…

  • Provide a fun day on the water bringing military personnel, veterans, spectators, sponsors, racers and CORA members together to salute our Military
  • Acknowledge our local active-duty military and veterans and create awareness of their service
  • Feature and support local non-profit organizations that support our military veterans

Fisher House Charleston is a beautiful home away from home for the families
of Veterans receiving care in the Charleston area. There are over 75,000
Veterans who are supported by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System,
coming from as far as Myrtle Beach or Hinesville, GA. The Fisher House
Charleston provides temporary lodging in a comfortable and relaxed setting,
only a few blocks away from the medical facility. Guests can stay at the Fisher
House at no cost for as long as their loved one is hospitalized.
(www.fisherhouse.org)

Veterans on Deck has been providing a unique sailing program in association
with Ralph Johnson VA Medical Center for the past 11 years. Their program
works to prevent and treat the invisible wounds that affect members of our
Armed Forces, during and after their service. This sailing program has been
proven to increase social functioning through increased interpersonal
activities. The program also quantifiably reduced depression associated with
social withdrawal. Sailing has proven therapeutic effects.
(www.veteransondeck.org)

The Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA) was formed in 1967, operating as a volunteer, non-profit 501c3 organization that endeavors to foster a passion for sailing. Its mission is to promote, organize, and conduct competitive sailboat racing year-round in Charleston’s harbor and offshore waters as a premiere racing destination in the Southeast.