How the virtual race works
The traditional Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race takes place on the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay in early October, but first we have the Virtual Race, a fundraising competition that runs August 23-26.
The virtual race is a three-day, online event to raise money for partner nonprofit organizations that work to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay's history and ecology. The competitors are the schooner boats; each vessel's team chooses it's own partner and looks for support from friends, family, schooner fans, and fans of the designated beneficiary.
The event began in 2020 and had already raised more than $100,000 before the 2023 edition got underway.
How you can support a boat and its nonprofit partner
You can participate in the race by choosing a schooner, making a contribution, and sharing the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner website with your family and friends! Fans and supporters may follow the race on Facebook and donate at the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner website. Donation links will be available from noon on Wednesday, August 23 through 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Learn more about each of these vessels and their designated partners. They are as follows:
Norfolk Rebel: Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race
Genevieve: Downtown Sailing Center
Schooner Virginia: Nauticus Foundation
Luna: Colonial Seaport Foundation
North Wind: Gloucester City Sail
Adventurer: Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race
Farewell: Maryland Science Center
Pride of Baltimore II: Planks for Pride Campaign
Jolly Dolphin: Magothy River Association
Woodwind: Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race Education Fund
Marie Tharpe: Ocean Reseach Project
Bennu: Severn River Association
Windsong: Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundaiton
