WE LOOK AHEAD TO THE ANNAPOLIS FALL FLAIL (OCT. 13/14) AND THE ATLANTIC COAST CHAMPIONSHIP (OCT. 20/21)

For those of you looking to get in some last minute practise before the Worlds here are two perfect events coming up.

The first is the ANNAPOLIS FALL FLAIL on October 13 and 14 to be hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club. This is a great event in a fantastic town and historically attracts over 30 Melges 24s so there will be plenty of good competition to keep you on your toes. In addition, this year Vince Brun is holding a seminar on the Friday before, October 12th, so not only can you get in some great racing but you can also pick the brains of twice world Champion Vince for some timely world championship winning tips. As well as the sailing programme there will be plenty of opportunities for some shoreside socialising. For further details contact Liz Filter on Tel Home (410) 643-1486 or e-mail emf@shore.intercom.net

The second is the 2001 US ATLANTIC COAST CHAMPIONSHIP in Jacksonville on October 20 and 21. Regatta Chairman Pat Lambert gives us the low down on what you can expect at this very popular regatta - the penultimate event in the 2001 North American and World Rankings.

"The event host is The Florida Yacht Club, founded in 1876. It is an absolutely beautiful facility located on the west bank of the St. Johns river just south of downtown Jacksonville. The river is wide, tidal (very tidal at times), brackish and great for sailing. And being located only 15 miles due west from the Atlantic Ocean a sea breeze often dominates.

Our first Melges one design was in November, 1994 and we have been an important stop for the class ever since. This years racing features two days of windward-leeward courses, 5 races, no throw outs, low point scoring. On the social side, we have a great weekend planned. After the practice races on Friday afternoon, we have a welcome party at the Fleet Center. We will be serving several bushels of oysters, both raw and well steamed from the oyster grill we have. Of course complementary kegs and soft drinks will be provided. This provides a great opportunity for the class to get together prior to racing and is well attended. The Melges fleet can shuck and eat a lot of oysters based on past performances.

Capts. meeting and racing on Saturday afternoon and a great party in the Grand Ballroom that evening. We will be serving our Chefs famous Cajun Style Low Country Boil for dinner. Complementary kegs and a cash bar is offered. We have a very good local band playing thru-out the night and we give individual race awards as well as a couple of gag awards during the breaks and the party usually goes very late.

Sunday racing early, everyone off the water by 1:00pm and the awards party thereafter. We provide complementary kegs and heavy hors d'oeuvres with a cash bar. Awards go five deep and we send the fleet on their way. Easy as kiss my hand.

I was speaking with Andy Burdick yesterday and he advises that they are sending three boats from Zenda, including Harry and Brian Porter, with many more mid-west boats. Argyle Campbell from Calif. is already registered and this will be his eighth trip to FYC for our races. We also have three other Calif. boats registered. Mike Toppa of North Sails is also registered. Mike is a frequent guest at our Club and he is last years winner(we had 33 boats in 2000). John Sherlock from Toronto is already in and he tells me atleast two more Melges from his area are coming. Local Melges sailors Steve Suddath and Rick Peper are entered and we expect most of the Florida contingent to show up ready to mix it up. So who knows, we could have 25 boats or 50 could show up. Either way, my race and regatta committees are ready to go and so am I.

Friday, Saturday and Sundays parties are all included in the registration fee, which is a very reasonable $165.00. Special room rates established at the nearby Holiday Inn ($55.00/night/4people) makes the trip to North Florida very easy on the wallet. And the racing speaks for itself. Registration forms can be accessed on our Web page at: thefloridayachtclub.org and for questions my e-mail address is patrick@diller-brown.com."

Fair Winds,
Pat Lambert, Regatta Chairman