2007 Melges 24 US Northeast District Championship, 20-21 October

Press Release from the USMCA - Annapolis, Md.; Eastport Yacht Club - The changing of the leaves nor winter's chill has no effect on the U.S. Melges 24 Fleet in Annapolis, Md. as the racing will be hotter than ever 20-21 October at the 2007 Melges 24 Northeast District Championship (NEDC) hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club. This will be a scorcher as potentially 20 or more teams file in to compete.

Annapolis — a sailing mecca for the World, especially in the U.S. — will serve as the scenic backdrop and set a precedence for two amazing, upcoming events — the 2008 Melges 24 North American Championship (NAC) and the 2009 International Melges 24 World Championship. Three back-to-back years of some of the most intense racing in the one design yachting spectrum will be on the USMCA Northeast District doorstep.

There is no doubt that the Melges 24 Class is growing. With each regatta the numbers are reaching far into the double digits, in Europe at select regattas, triple digits. The centralized nature of the '08 NAC and '09 Worlds will intensify this further. The Midwest and Southeast districts are in equal proximity, therefore a full pump of the fleet is guaranteed to infiltrate the Annapolis area. The far reaches of the West Coast, Gulf Coast and Pacific Northwest are set to go the distance to attend as well as the ever-expanding, home based Northeast district. Worldwide the class is fast-approaching 800 boats, transcending four (actually more) continents meaning international attendance is a sure thing. In 2005, at the Corum Melges 24 World Championship in Ocean Reef approximately 35 teams competed — the largest international gathering for a M24 Worlds in the United States. Nothing short of this is expected at the '08 NAC and '09 Worlds.

For competitors, the first step to gearing up for the 2007 NEDC is to visit the Official Event Website (www.annapolismelges24.com), register online (race.eastportyc.org/eyc/DesktopDefault.aspx), view an entry list (race.eastportyc.org/eyc/RegattaModules/ViewRegattaEntries.aspx), download an NOR (www.annapolismelges24.com/NoticeOfRace.html) plus much, much more such as lodging and accommodations options, etc. are now available.

This event will also feature a full-on Corinthian Competition Division sponsored by Quantum Sails. This 'all-amateur' division is 'all-the-rage' in the Melges 24 fleet, boasting competitive results of its very own. Early Corinthian entries are welcome. An official USMCA Corinthian Declaration Form is downloadable via the U.S. Melges 24 Class Web Site (www.usmelges24.com/pdfs/USMCACorinthianDeclaration.pdf). Forms can be faxed to (912) 756-6728. Please remember that in order to be considered, not only does the helm need to be classified by ISAF, the entire crew also has to have gone online and registered. If you have any questions in regards to your eligibility please contact USMCA Communications Director, Joy Dunigan at communications@usmelges24.com.

This is the prime time of the season for racing on the Chesapeake Bay complemented by a full schedule of post-racing socializing. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to experience Bay racing at its very best!

The Melges 24 is designed by Reichel Pugh (www.reichel-pugh.com) and considered the most unique one design sportboat in the world as well as one of the fastest-growing classes of high performance yachts. More information can be found at the Official Web site of the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA, www.usmelges24.com), and the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA, www.melges24.com ).

If you would like to receive press releases and/or photos for this event please contact Joy Dunigan, 2007 Melges 24 Northeast District Championship Event Press Officer/USMCA Press Officer via email at communications@usmelges24.com, or on mobile at (912) 398-5776.