47th annual St. Patrick’s Regatta draws competitors to Georgia coast

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The 47th annual St. Patrick’s Regatta began Saturday, drawing competitors from near and far.

The race was established in 1979 and is one of Georgia’s oldest races on coastal waters. Sponsored by the Geechee Sailing Club, the races consisted of three classes: spinnaker, non-spinnaker, and Rhodes 19.

“This is the St. Patrick’s Regatta, right. We always do it the weekend after St. Patrick’s Day,” said Carl Ericcson, skipper of ‘Lil Toot’. “This is a pretty good turnout because the weather is gorgeous. Looks like there’s probably 20 or 30 boats. Sometimes it’s real small if the weather is crumby so right now, it’s good.”

The event continues Sunday at 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each class.