Charleston Sternwheel Regatta 2026

t age 13, Nelson Jones mentioned the idea of a sternwheel race to his surrogate mother, Henny Cook, executive secretary to then-Mayor John Hutchinson. Cook encouraged him to present the idea to the Mayor. On September 5, 1971, Jones corralled five sternwheelers and launched the Regatta. Thousands lined the banks to watch the majestic sternwheelers parade up and down the river.

For the second year, the Valley Gem Sternwheeler will be traveling to the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta to offer One Hour Sightseeing Tours and Dinner Cruises during the Regatta.

July 2: One Hour Sightseeing Tours - 10am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm
First Mate's Dinner Cruise: 4:30-6:30pm
Admiral's Dinner Cruise: 7:30-10pm

July 3: One Hour Sightseeing Tours - 10am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm
First Mate's Dinner Cruise: 4:30-6:30pm
Admiral's Dinner Cruise: 7:30-10pm

July 4: One Hour Sightseeing Tours - 10am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2:30pm
First Mate's Dinner Cruise: 4:30-6:30pm

July 5: One Hour Sightseeing Tours - 10am and 2:30pm
First Mate's Dinner Cruise: 4:30-6:30pm
Drone Show Dinner Cruise: 7:30-10pm

​Click the image below to see all the event descriptions for the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. Tickets for these events sell quickly!