Hilton Head Multihull Regatta
Catamarans launch from the sand and race past Coligny Beach for three days; you can watch free from the beach.
- Next dates: Wednesday, Oct. 21, to Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026
- Friday, Oct. 23, first start 11 a.m.: medium-distance race, about 10 to 15 nautical miles
- Saturday, Oct. 24, first start 11 a.m.: buoy racing
- Sunday, Oct. 25, first start 11 a.m.: buoy racing, then awards from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Hosted by: South Carolina Yacht Club
- Who races: Any multihull sailboat that can launch and recover from the beach, scored with a small-catamaran handicap rating
- Watching: Free from the public beach
The Hilton Head Multihull Regatta is a late-October weekend of beach-start catamaran racing, hosted by the South Carolina Yacht Club. This year's edition is the 50th anniversary, and the boats launch straight off the sand rather than from a marina, so the start is something you can watch from the beach.
This page is for spectators: when the racing happens, where to stand and what is nearby. Sailors enter through the notice of race.
When the racing happens
The regatta week is Oct. 21 to 25, but the racing is over three days, with the first start at 11 a.m. each day. No start sequence begins after 3:30 p.m.
Medium-distance race
First start 11 a.m.
One long race of roughly 10 to 15 nautical miles. The fleet starts off the beach, sails up or down the coast to a mark and comes back to a finish line off the beach near the start. Wind direction decides which way.
Buoy racing
First start 11 a.m.
Shorter races around marks set off the beach, so the boats stay close and keep passing the shore.
Buoy racing and awards
First start 11 a.m.; awards 4 to 6 p.m.
A last day of buoy races, then the awards ceremony for the sailors.
Where to watch from the beach
The start is listed at Coligny Beach North, in front of Pool Bar Jim's at the Avocet beach access, and Coligny Beach Park is the public access point. Park at the beach park and walk down; the parking guide covers the free lot and the overflow options.
The racing area moves with the wind, so the boats may be launched from or sail along other stretches of the beach. If you don't see boats at the start, walk the sand or ask at the beach. Bring binoculars, because the buoys are offshore. Afterwards Coligny Plaza is close for lunch and ice cream.
The beach start is listed in front of Pool Bar Jim's at the Avocet beach access, a short walk from Coligny Plaza.
Tips for watching
Be on the beach before 11
Boats rig and launch before the first start, which is the best part to see up close.
Saturday or Sunday for the buoy racing
Friday's race goes up the coast, while the weekend buoy races stay close to shore.
No ticket to watch
The beach is public. The social events are for sailors and ticket holders.
More Hilton Head events this fall
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hilton Head Multihull Regatta?
This year the regatta week is Oct. 21 to 25, 2026, and racing is Friday, Oct. 23, to Sunday, Oct. 25, with the first start at 11 a.m. each day.
Where do I watch the Hilton Head Multihull Regatta?
From the beach at Coligny, where the start is listed in front of Pool Bar Jim's at the Avocet beach access. The racing area depends on the wind, so check the beach for the boats.
Is it free to watch?
Yes. You can watch from the public beach. Parking at Coligny Beach Park is free, though the lot fills on busy days.
Who runs the regatta?
The South Carolina Yacht Club hosts it. Entry is through Regatta Network.
What boats race?
Multihull sailboats, mostly catamarans, that can be launched and recovered from the beach.
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