2009 Melges 24 World Championship - Initial Entry Deadline 23 September

Annapolis, Maryland, USA (22 September 2009) - The 2009 Melges 24 World Championship, being held in Annapolis, Maryland, US from 23-31 October is now just over a month away and the initial deadline for entries is tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. Although late entries will be accepted up until Friday 9 October, those late entries will be subject to a 30% late entry fee so all competitors are urged to visit the EVENT WEB SITE and register online now. 

Annapolis is one of the most famous and historic sailing venues in the USA and with the Eastport Yacht Club, the regatta sponsors and the city of Annapolis pulling out all the stops to make this a truly spectacular event competitors can look forward to a week of outstanding racing, camaraderie and fun. The entry list is growing daily and this week's new entries include a team from the Ukraine who join crews from across the USA, Canada, Italy, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Corinthian competitors, who wish to race in the all-amateur division of the competition, are also reminded that they must submit their full crew lists, including each crewmember’s ISAF ID, classification and expiry date (valid until at least 31 October 2009), by Friday 9 October.  To be eligible for the Corinthian Division the helmsman of the boat must be an ISAF Classification 1 sailor and the crew members must be ISAF Classification 1 or 2 sailors.  Teams that have not submitted their full crew lists with valid details by this date will not be eligible for the Corinthian element of the championship.  Corinthian competitors who have already submitted their entries are recommended to check the ONLINE ENTRY LIST to confirm that their crew details are correctly recorded.  A representative of the ISAF Sailor Classification Commission will be conducting interviews with Corinthian Competitors during the registration period.

For teams keen to train on the Worlds race area there are several great Annapolis based Melges 24 warm-up events coming up.  The 2009 Melges 24 Sail22 Tuning Regatta happens on the weekend of 8-11October, the Eastport Yacht Club Fall One-Design Regatta takes place on 17-18 October with Worlds PRO Jeff Borland officiating and the official Melges 24 Pre-Worlds Regatta takes place from 24-25 October. Further information about each of these events is available from the EVENT WEB SITE.

Don’t forget to take a closer look at Official World Championship Apparel Sponsors Coral Reef Sailing Apparel (CRSA) and Gill.  Those attending the 2009 Melges 24 Worlds should make it a priority to visit the CRSA Website to browse and purchase a full selection of items. CRSA offers discounts for group orders and team outfitting. World Championship shirts, shorts, jackets, hats and bags can be personalized and will be available for pick-up at the event. All items must be ordered by October 5th to guarantee delivery at Worlds.

If you have not registered for the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship yet please do so as soon as possible. Register Online (Corinthian crew lists need to be confirmed by 9 October absolute latest.) Bookmark the Official Event Website. View the List Of Current Entries.

THE 2009 MELGES 24 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IS SPONSORED BY: 

Coral Reef Sailing Apparel & Gill - Official Apparel Sponsor
The official apparel sponsor for the 2009

Melges 24 World Championship is Coral Reef Sailing Apparel (CRSA) and Gill. CRSA is continuing their strong commitment to the Melges 24 class by providing apparel for the World Championship. Items can be purchased online now, or on-site at the event. Gill is a brand leader in foul weather apparel specific to the sailing enthusiast.

Atlantic Yacht Rigging - Official Rigging Partner
The official rigging partner for the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship is Atlantic Yacht Rigging. AYRS is a full service company that can help with any of your rigging or repair needs any time of the year. From wire swaging projects to fiberglass repair and everything in between, they will be onsite providing the best service to the entire fleet. 

Other supporting sponsors include t2p.tv, National Sailing Hall of Fame,  BoatingLaw.com, MarinaCastTV,Go!The Airport Shuttle, Boatyard Bar and Grill, Sam's Waterfront Cafe, APS Ltd, Pusser’s Caribbean Grille at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront, Team Barbarians, RACEBOOK-US, North Sails One Design, SailFastPhoto, PantherVision, Chesapeake Bay Roasting Co., Bert Jabin's Yacht Yard, Sail 22, Latis Yachting Solutions SheSails, Inc. Quantum Sails and Kathryn M. Weber, CPA. This event is also supported by the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA), the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA) and the Annapolis Melges 24 Fleet #22. 

The Melges 24 Class and Eastport Yacht Club are extremely proud to be partnered with these outstanding companies and sincerely thank them for their generous support of the 2009 Worlds.

Sponsorship opportunities still exist and tax deductible donations are also being accepted; please contact 2009 World Championship Regatta Chair Liz Filter if you would like to make a gift.

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Visit the official event website at www.melges24worlds2009.com for more information on the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship. Also, visit the Eastport Yacht Club online.

The Melges 24 is designed by Reichel Pugh and considered the most unique one design sportboat in the world as well as one of the fastest-growing classes of high performance yachts. For more information, visit the official class websites of the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA)and U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA).

For more information or press photos, please contact:

Joy Dunigan
U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA)
2009 Melges 24 World Championship Press Chair
Class Communications Director | Executive Secretary
+1 (912) 398-5776
Skype: joysavannah

Justin Chisholm 
International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA)
2009 Melges 24 World Championship Press Officer
+44 7769 938722
Skype: justinchis 

Fiona Brown
International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA)
Administrator 
+44 (0) 7711 718470
Skype: fpbrown

Nancy Noyes
Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) 
2009 Melges 24 World Championship Press Officer
+1 (410) 263-5028