Most people planning a charter usually think about leisurely sails between gorgeous anchorages topped off with a few cocktails, possibly some excellent regional food, and a good nights sleep after a bit of exploring.

What many do not realize is that it's possible to add a little bit of racing to the equation if you plan your trip and location right. While charter boats do not necessarily epitomize the pinnacle of grand-prix racing, it can be a lot of fun getting a number of similar charter boats racing (think "relaxed one design racing") against each other for a few days.

Antigua Race Week has long been a favorite. But, the number of events catering to bareboat charters is on the rise. An interesting recent event was the Tahiti Pearl Regatta. Having just completed its 4th annual regatta, the Pearl represents a great way to see Tahiti's Leeward Islands (Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine, and Bora Bora) while getting those competitive juices flowing.

For this event, Moorings, Sunsail, Archipels Croisières et Tahiti Yacht Charter, and Paradise Adventures and Cruises offered special considerations for event participants.

Here is a look at the recent program for details. The site is a bit sparse on details (including results for this past event) but all signs point to an annual March timeframe.

Tags: sailing, tahiti, antigua, yacht charter, bora bora, regatta