February 1, 2019 Accumula Collaborator

2019 Charleston Fort 2 Battery Race

Now in its 6th year, the Fort 2 Battery race is back at it again with the most thrilling kite powered drag race in the nation. Powered by Force Kite and Wake and hosted by the James Island Yacht Club, the Fort 2 Battery race will bring together the most competitive foil racers from all around the country as well as adrenaline seeking weekend warriors, for a pure speed run between 2 of Charlestons historic landmarks, the Charleston Battery and Fort Sumter. Like a flock of birds or an explosion of colorful confetti, well over a hundred kites will converge at one landmark, deftly jocking for position anxiously awaiting the starting gun for a mad dash across the harbor and the chance to measure themselves against their fellow sportsman. With the explosion of the gun, the fray surges with a single purpose; to cross the harbor to the finish line as fast as their skills can take them there.

The Fort 2 Battery Race's safety detail will be run by 10 Wounded Warrior Sailing rescue boats each staffed by a medic, ensuring a safe and successful race for riders of all skill levels. This year, a host of industry insiders and big-name riders, names to be dropped as the event approaches. Other sponsors include major brands Slingshot, Cabrinha, Naish, Mystic, Ride Engine, and Duotone.

Registration is now open! The cost of entry for The Fort 2 Battery race is $50 or $100 for those who want to participate in Foil Mania, a regatta race series taking place concurrently with the F2B race. Foil Mania races are scheduled for April 26th and 27th. There will be strictly for fun Foil Mania race on April 28th as well. The F2B main event is scheduled for April 27th.

Skippers meeting will take place at the James Island Yacht Club, 734 Wampler Dr. Charleston SC, at 6 pm on April the 26th with a food truck on site. The award ceremony will be held at the JIYC on the 27th at 5 pm with a BBQ featuring live music and more mouth-watering pork than a Washington fundraiser. Speaking of raising funds, 100% of the proceeds from the Fort 2 Battery event will go to the JIYC Junior Sailing Program to bring the joy and life skills of sailing to kids in our community.