Sometimes Charleston Harborfest has slow, Tall Ships and sometimes it has sleek, small sailboat yachts – this time we get the round-the-world racers!

So, if you have any interest in sailing whatsoever, you’ll definitely want to be in town two weeks from now for the fifth and final leg of the VELUX 5 OCEANS around-the-world sailboat race that coincides with Harborfest 2011.

The 3,600 nautical mile final leg will be leaving Charleston May 14th, racing to the finish line in La Rochelle, France.

‘Sprint’ really encapsulates what the finale to the VELUX 5 OCEANS will be: an all out adrenaline-fueled race across the North Atlantic and back into the Bay of Biscay, where La Rochelle will celebrate the unique achievements of the skippers in completing The Ultimate Solo Challenge. They are expected to arrive in La Rochelle in early June 2011 with prizes presented June 11.

“I have a lot of incentives to get to Charleston first, my kids are there, my family is there and my home is there. The sooner I get there the longer I get to spend at home. Mentally that is a bit of a liability, and it will be important for me to keep my head straight and not get too excited about sailing home.” – Charleston’s own Brad Van Liew, skipper of Le Pingouin.

Charleston Harborfest 2011 Schedule

Thursday, May 12th

• VELUX 5 OCEANS Vessels and Race Village Open to Public >> 1:00 – 6:00 PM

Friday, May 13th

• Festival Grounds Open to Public >> 1:00 – 6:00 PM
• Skipper Bon Voyage Party >> 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Saturday, May 14th

• Festival Grounds Open to Public >> 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• VELUX 5 OCEANS Parade of Sail >> 12:30 PM
• VELUX 5 OCEANS Race Restart >> 3:00 PM

Sunday, May 15th

• Festival Grounds Open to Public >> 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

“Southeastern Wildlife Expo is grateful for the support we have received from Mount Pleasant over the years. We are very excited to be hosting our first ever kick-off concert event on Shem Creek; it’s such a beautiful, iconic LowCountry setting – simply perfect for this fun oyster roast and acoustic concert.”
– Marketing Director, Ashley Slane

This Saturday February 12th, the first ever Southeastern Wildlife Expo Kick-Off Party is here at Red’s Ice House on Shem Creek.

The event is free 12-5pm – with Barrier Island Marine having a 2011 New Boat Model Preview in and out of the water (sunset cruises offered too). At 5:30, there will live tunes from Ken Block & Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel along with Tyler Mechem of Crowfield.

All-you-can-eat oysters, a food buffet and adult beverages will be available as well.

All-inclusive tickets are $40 dollars before the event and $50 dollar day of, so get your tickets fast at Red’s during business hours, or online at SEWE.com