Blackbaud Honors Military and Veterans as Presenting Sponsor of the Charleston Ocean Racing Association’s Third-Annual Military Salute Regatta

2023 Event Garners Record Participation

Blackbaud was proud to once again sponsor the Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA) Military Salute Regatta, held recently in the Charleston, S.C., harbor. CORA established the regatta in 2021 to honor and applaud our military for their service to our country—past and present.

This year, 132 veterans and active-duty racers sailed in the event, which benefitted Veterans on Deck and Fisher House Charleston, two organizations that provide care and support for veterans, active-duty personnel and their families.

Active military and veterans from all over the southeast participated as crewmembers aboard racing sailboats. In total, 26 boats participated, with 11 of the racing skippers being veterans. The top three finishers, all hailing from the Charleston area, were:

• Cruising Class – MARION MADE, Skipper Wayne Burdick
• Non-Spinnaker Class – CHEERS, Skipper Tom Mackin
• Spinnaker Class – SKIMMER, Skippers Miles Martschink and Ben Hagood

Additionally, more than 130 friends and family of military participants watched the event from the chartered viewing boat Charleston Princess, along with sponsors and their guests.

“Blackbaud was privileged to once again be the presenting sponsor of the annual Military Salute Regatta,” said John Young, senior director of business operations and leader of the VETS (Veterans Engaged Through Service) affinity group at Blackbaud. “This event is a meaningful way to support our military community here in Charleston where we’re headquartered. The event brings the community together to honor US active-duty and military veterans and lift up nonprofits that provide care and support for military members and their families.”

Chris Stinson, CORA commodore, said, “I am honored to have been part of such an effort to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. We wouldn’t be able to freely organize such an event without the sacrifices of our military, and this is our way of honoring them. At the same time, being able to introduce them to a sport that has proven to be beneficial for those still fighting personal battles only further solidifies our resolve to continue this great tradition again in 2024.”

Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA) was formed in 1967 and is a volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that fosters a passion for sailing. Full race results from the Military Salute Regatta can be found here, as well as additional information about CORA here.