2008 Melges 24 U.S. Nationals Ready to Go - NOR and Online Entry Now Available

From the USMCA - The 2008 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship will take place in Charleston, South Carolina on September 18-21, hosted by the Charleston Yacht Club. For the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA) this is a premiere event, where as many as 50 teams are expected to attend. "We are going to see boats from all over the country. We've had inquiries from as far away as California, Texas, Michigan and New York and would not be the least bit surprised to see several International entries as well. Some of the world's best sailors will be in Charleston for this major event,' said Reggie Fairchild, Regatta Co-Chair and Charleston Melges 24 Fleet Captain.

"The racing conditions in Charleston are some of the most challenging and rewarding in the world. Sailing in Charleston Harbor in September is ideal. The water is warm and the air temperature near perfect. There is a wonderful afternoon sea breeze, the racing will truly be great."

"Europeans and other International teams should take a serious look at the close proximity of Charleston and Annapolis. They can sail the U.S. National Championship as well as the North Americans. This a unique opportunity to compete in both events efficiently and affordably. Logistically, racing these two events makes a lot of sense."

As one of the most progressive and flourishing areas for the US Melges 24 Class, Charleston is an ideal venue for the championship. Sailing heritage runs deep in this historic city, complemented by southern charm. "The Carolina Lowcountry is known for friendly people and spectacular scenery," commented Regatta Co-Chair Judy Drew Fairchild. "Competitors may be greeted by dolphins, diving pelicans, and other birds including black skimmers and oystercatchers. Our exciting racing conditions, great off-the-water events, and wide variety of beaches and activities for all members of the family will make this a great destination for the Nationals."

2007 was a record-breaking year for the USMCA. Fifty-five Melges 24s competed at the Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit, Michigan — the largest ever turnout in the USMCA's fifteen year history. The Charleston Melges 24 Nationals is aiming for that, or better. Chris Hamilton, also sharing duties as a Regatta Co-Chair continued, "We are looking forward to a great event. This is a high-level regatta with tremendous expectations and we are pulling out all the stops. We've recruited Hal Smith as PRO to run the action. Hal has a long tenure with the Melges 24s. He ran the 2007 Gold Cup and knows exactly what Melges 24 sailors want. He plans to deliver."

Reaffirmation comes from USMCA Southeast District Governor Reid Collins, "Hal is the best PRO in the Southeast and the best I've ever encountered. He efficiently sets up and runs excellent races, is a great communicator to the racers and his race committee. He knows how to handle the Melges 24."

National and International Melges 24 sailors will want to take advantage of the impressive line-up of competitive opportunities that follow the U.S. Nationals. Almost immediately following is the Lake Geneva Fall Championship in early October — the birthplace of the Melges 24 where attendance on average is 30+ and, the 2008 North American Championship held in Annapolis, Maryland October 26th - November 2, hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club. Annapolis will also host the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship.

With a line-up of regattas such as this, the biggest and brightest teams are sure to converge upon Charleston. It will be the perfect juncture to prepare and fine-tune the crew, boats and gear for the long haul in one of the toughest and most demanding fleets in the world. The Melges 24 Class is not for the faint of heart. This is why the best of the best look to the Melges 24 to gain a competitive edge. That edge will be found once more in Charleston.

CALLING ALL COMPETITORS
The Notice of Race (NOR) is now available at the official 2008 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship event website (
www.m24charleston.com). Download a copy today and process your entries online via the same web portal. A wealth of information is posted including a current list of entries, regatta documents and much, much more. For future announcements, stay tuned to this as well as the official site of the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association at
www.usmelges24.com and, the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA) at
www.melges24.com.

The 2008 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship hosted by the Charleston Yacht Club (
www.charlestonyachtclub.com) on September 18-21 is sponsored by Ocean Sailing Academy
www.osasailing.com, Yacht Scoring (
www.yachtscoring.com), Charleston City Marina (
www.charlestoncitymarina.com), Cre843 (
www.cre843.com), ASB Flower Design (
www.asbflowers.com) and the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (www.usmelges24.com).