Well, it has been in the works for sometime now and it was just announced last week that West Marine will be the title sponsor for this year’s Carolina Cup. This marks the sixth year for the Wrightsville Beach-based SUP race, which will take place from April 19 through the 24th. It is reportedly the world’s largest gathering of stand up paddleboard racers. Race director, Mark Schmidt responded, “We are honored to have West Marine on board. Watersports and the water lifestyle are a unique and special family. West Marine has been a mentor and part of this family for almost 50 years.” A spokeswoman from West Marine, Deb Radcliff, who is the Senior Vice President of Marketing, responded with, “We’re proud to have West Marine associated with a race of this caliber. The Carolina Cup encourages people to participate in stand up paddling at all skill levels. It’s a ideal partnership, and we’re looking forward to a great event!”
The race is organized each year by the Wrightsville Beach Paddle Club and has been sanctioned by the World Paddle Association. Last year’s gathering attracted top paddlers from around 20 nations and 40 states. Based on race and clinic registration figures, last year’s crowd of participants averaged 950.
It was also announced that Surftech will serve as a presenting sponsor for The Carolina Cup. Surftech is paddleboard manufacturer and highly regarded among enthusiasts and those in the industry as an innovator in SUP design.
Last year’s race series attracted some of the greats with Australian Travis Grant claiming the 2015 men’s stand up paddleboard championship in the grueling 13.2-mile Graveyard Race. Danny Ching of California came in a close second and was a multiple Battle of the Paddle winner. Ching has also been a three-time champion of The Carolina Cup.
For the women’s division of the elite Graveyard Race, New Zealand’s Annabel Anderson, who is coincidentally the top-ranked paddler in the world, returned to Wrightsville Beach and captured her third consecutive victory. Germany’s Sonni Hönscheid placed second in the women’s division.
As always, the Blockade Runner Beach Resort will be the start and finish site and the best place to take in the action. For all of the details, please visit this official link: http://wrightsvillebeachpaddleclub.com/carolina-cup/
