Round the Island Race

Enjoy an engaging scene of plenty of action along the waterfront of Downtown Beaufort at this annual event that always draws a crowd. The Round the Island Race is a non-stop race on the edge of Beaufort that circles around Carrot Island and Bird Shoals, and which will thrill attendees who love to see Taylor’s Creek and the surrounding waters swarming with fun activity.

The Round the Island Race is held in conjunction with the annual Wooden Boat Show, which is celebrating its 45^th year in 2019. The race is continually open to new contenders, and all traditionally rigged sailing craft are welcome to join in the fun. Chase boats escort the fleet along the route that borders the outlying islands just off of Beaufort, but self-sufficiency is the ultimate goal of every boat crew in the competition. The event, which is sponsored by the North Carolina Maritime Museum, is always a fun and exciting race for both the participants, and anyone who is fortunate enough to be perched along the waterfront docks when the show begins. The race is free for all spectators, who can pick a spot along the waterfront, sit back, and watch as the line of wooden boats competitors spring to life.