Hook Race Tomorrow: Saturday, August 24

The Skidaway Island Boating Club (SIBC) will host the fourth annual Low Country Hook Ocean Race, one of the few sailing events to take place in open ocean waters, tomorrow (Saturday, August 24).

The five-hour competition challenges captains and crew to take on the winds and waves of the Atlantic as was the tradition centuries ago. Today, most races are held in rivers and bays and last about an hour.

The race is one of the region’s premier sailing events. Approximately 20 boats are expected to participate.

Held in conjunction with the Yacht Club of Hilton Head, the event begins the evening of August 23 with a 7 p.m. Skippers’ Meeting at Harbour Town Yacht Basin on Hilton Head Island. On August 24 at approximately 10 a.m., the racers depart Hilton Head and sail out into the Atlantic Ocean, around Tybee Island, through Wassaw Sound, and then up the Wilmington River, ending at Landings Harbor Marina on Skidaway Island. The racecourse forms a hook-shape covering nearly 30 nautical miles. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Bay Street Realty Group, is the race’s premier sponsor.

Sailboats are expected to approach the finish line between 3 and 5 p.m. Trophies will be presented during the awards dinner at Landings Harbor Marina following the race at approximately 6 p.m.