Entries Build as Annapolis Melges 24s Ramp Up to the Northeast District Championship

Annapolis, Md.; Eastport Yacht Club - Thirteen Melges 24s are currently signed up to race at the 2007 Northeast District Championship (NEDC), October 19-21 with expectations topping out with twenty to twenty-five total. Among those already registered to win is two-time Melges 24 U.S. National Champion Neil Sullivan on 'M-Fatic' and 2007 Corinthian World Champion Othmar Blumencron on 'Gannet'. From Los Angeles, California; runner-up in Lake Geneva at the Fall Championship and third at Nationals is Alan Field on 'WTF'.

In addition to the steady increase in participation, the 2007 NEDC is proud to announce official sponsor support from Annapolis Performance Sailing (www.apsltd.com ), Gale Force Sailing (www.galeforcesailing.com ) and formally — Iniki.com (www.iniki.com). Quantum Sails (www.quantumsails.com ) is the official sponsor of the 2007 Melges 24 NEDC Corinthian Competition. Early Corinthian entries are welcome.

Download a Corinthian Declaration Form at this link: www.usmelges24.com/pdfs/USMCACorinthianDeclaration.pdf. Forms can be faxed to +1 (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 needs to have gone online and registered. If you have any questions in regards to your eligibility please contact USMCA Communications Director, Joy Dunigan on email at communications@usmelges24.com.

For competitors who have yet to confirm, visit the Official Event Website (www.annapolismelges24.com), register online (http://race.eastportyc.org/eyc/DesktopDefault.aspx), view an entry list (http://race.eastportyc.org/eyc/RegattaModules/ViewRegattaEntries.aspx ), download an NOR (http://www.annapolismelges24.com/NoticeOfRace.html) plus much, much more such as lodging and accommodations options, etc are now available.

ANNAPOLIS PERFORMANCE SAILING
One of the most recognized businesses in the sailing industry and headquartered in none other than Annapolis, Maryland, Annapolis Performance Sailing (www.apsltd.com) strives to be a "Melges 24 and more, one stop shopping store." From foul weather gear, hardware, line and accessories for sailors and sailboats, to prams and grand prix keelboats, APS stocks items with your completed needs in mind. APS also offers a rigging shop known for its top-quality splicing and swaging.

GALE FORCE SAILING
Kicking off the 2007 NEDC event, Annapolis' own Gale Force Sailing (www.galeforcesailing.com) will be conduct a three hour tuning and practice clinic on Friday, October 19. From 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., Gale Force Sailing's coaching staff will be seen on the water running starting, boathandling and speed testing drills.

INIKI.COM
A growing and evolving company, Iniki.com (www.iniki.com) is dedicated to working with sailors to make sure they are fully prepared and comfortable while racing. Established by a racing professional and grand prix boat owner, sailors can rest assured that will they get great service and products. When they are on the water they can let their gear deal with the elements while letting the team concentrate on racing the boat to its full potential. They are also responsible for the official 2007 NEDC Regatta T-Shirt (www.iniki.com/p-70-regatta-tee-shirt.aspx). Everyone is strongly encouraged to get orders in by Monday, October 15. Pre-orders guarantee shirts at the event. Iniki.com is also offering a 15% discount to those that spend over $75 (not including shipping). Go to Iniki.com (www.iniki.com ) and use coupon code: eyc15 when checking out.

QUANTUM SAILS
A long-time, strong supporter of the U.S. Melges 24 Class, Quantum Sails' (www.quantumsails.com) success has been all about the people. With a staff of world-class, knowledgeable and experienced sailors, the focus is the success of their client's projects based on hands-on interaction. This year that dedication and unwavering support for the Melges 24 Class in the form of sponsoring the NEDC Corinthian Competition.

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.