August 13-16, 2025
Total Raised to date $420,000!
Live during the Virtual Race
How it started
In the fall of 2020, COVID-19 necessitated a change in plans from our normal race down the Bay. In order to continue to support the non-profit organizations that race proceeds usually are donated to, we decided to go virtual!
Today, the Virtual Race is an integral part of our year and the primary way we fulfill our mission.
How It Works
While the traditional Schooner Race takes place on the water, the Virtual Race is a totally online event. Instead of competing under sail, schooner teams race to raise money for charity.
Each schooner chooses a nonprofit partner—an organization working to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay’s history and ecology. Some schooners also race in support of GCBSR’s Educational Sails and Educational Grants. Vessels reach out to their crew, friends, family and the general public to raise funds for their cause, and at the end of the three-day race, the boat that raised the most money wins!
Who Benefits
Of course, the real winners are all the non-profit organizations that benefit from the fundraiser. To get a sense of how many worthy organizations benefit from this fundraiser, take a look at Virtual Race Results for this year’s participating vessels, the wide range of nonprofit they raced for and how much they raised.
