And The Winner Is ......
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The 2009 Melges 24 World Championship cocktail fundraiser concluded on Monday, August 10 and revealed the early entry raffle winner, premiered the Worlds video and the official championship poster. Annapolis, Md. (August 12, 2009) - Italy's Riccardo Simoneschi on Fratelli Giacomel Audi powered by Q8 is the winner of the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship early entry contest. He will receive a Worlds Racebook-US. This beautiful leather-bound, coffee-table style photo book will be customized for him by Eastport Yacht Club Official Event Photographer Cindy Cady. This keepsake will also include a photo DVD to commemorate his World Championship experience. SPONSORSHIP RALLY Exquisite hor d'oeuvres, wine, cocktails and beer were part of the social event and a silent auction was in place that offered some great gifts such as NFL football tickets and MLB baseball passes. Coral Reef Sailing Apparel kindly donated several pieces of official USMCA gear made by Gill and special thanks to APS for donating a Volvo Ocean Race Puma Jacket, the favorite item of the auction. The Mayor of Annapolis, Ellen Moyer was present and did the honors of revealing the official Melges 24 World Championship poster created by Sara Proctor. As a member of the organizing committee, Sara has been working tirelessly on the preparations for the World Championship. She has made a very personal contribution to the regatta with a piece of artwork that reflects the energy and excitement of Melges 24 racing. The crowd included some of the Melges 24's most dedicated competitors and owners. 2008 Melges 24 North American Champion Terry Hutchinson, multiple World Champion Chris Larson, Jim Golden, Henry Filter, CB Currier and USMCA Vice President Bill Carleton were all in attendance showing their enthusiastic support. CALLING ALL COMPETITORS THE 2009 MELGES 24 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IS SPONSORED BY: Latis Yachting Solutions - Official Transportation Partner Other supporting sponsors include t2p.tv, Boatyard Bar and Grill, Sam's Waterfront Cafe, Pusser’s Caribbean Grille at the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront, Team Barbarians, Cindy Cady Photography,North Sails One Design, SailFastPhoto, National Sailing Hall of Fame, PantherVision, Chesapeake Bay Roasting Co., SheSails, Inc., Annapolis Roads 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. ### 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: Justin Chisholm Fiona Brown Nancy Noyes |