Evil Donut Leads Layline Oakcliff Melges 24 U.S. National Championship

25 June 2010; Newport, R.I. - Three races were on tap for day one of the 2010 Layline Oakcliff Melges 24 National Championship, hosted by Sail Newport. Geoff Ewenson at the helm for owner J.C. Raby on Evil Donut has taken the overall leads with a two point margin. Trailing in second is Alan Field on WTF and one point out of third is Corinthian player Henry Filter on Wild Child.

It was truly the picture perfect day on- and off-the-water. Races began on time under beautiful sunshine with an immediate heated battle between Cary Siegler on Rocksteady and Field. Although Field was launched off the pin end at the start, his ability to take the lead was tough and short lived. Ewenson slowly but surely worked his way to the top for the win. The breeze was brutally light and tricky, and practically disappeared for a change of course at the final gate, which in turn prompted a shortened course. Siegler slipped to finish fifth, while Field went on to take second, Jennifer Wilson on Convexity with Sally Barkow aboard took third and Guy Mossman with tactician Mark Ivey onBattle Rhythm was fourth.

After almost a one hour postponement, more breeze came in for the race two and it was just enough for Field to find his leading edge early on. A little more breeze gave way to a very tight first mark rounding placing Field out front followed closely by David Dabney on Conejo Racing - Ocean Sailing Academy in second and Kevin Dooley on Oakcliff Sailing Club in third. Wilson found her way into the top tier trailing in fourth. It took the entire race for Dabney to assume the lead and take the win, Siegler moved up for second, Ewenson was third, Henry Filter on Wild Child hung in for fourth, while Wilson rounded out the top five. Field had a tough race finishing sixth.

Race three made for more great racing, this time, top Corinthian competitor Filter came on strong for the win, taking the lead almost immediately. Field persevered to finish second, Charleston’s Steve Kopf on Blur-Pacific Energy Ventures took third, Ewenson was fourth and Wilson grabbed another fifth.

After racing, teams congregated at Celeritas' Malcolm and Kathy Gefter’s home for snacks, wine and Long Trail Beer. Daily awards were given out to the top teams of the day. Special thanks to Mac Designs and Seahorse Magazine for the cool prizes provided alongside of the classic, overall daily winner bottles of champaign.

Top Five Results (After 3 Races)
1.) Geoff Ewenson/JC Raby, Evil Donut; 1-3-4 = 8
2.) Alan Field, WTF; 2-6-2 = 10
3.) Henry Filter, Wild Child; 6-4-1 = 11
4.) Jennifer Wilson, Convexity; 3-5-5 = 13
5.) Cary Siegler, Rocksteady; 5-2-10 = 17

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Official Event Website

ABOUT THE SPONSORS
The 2010 Melges 24 National Championship is graciously supported and encouraged by the following businesses. The U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA) is especially grateful to title sponsors Layline and Oakcliff Sailing Center.

LAYLINE
The 'Original Performance Sailing Retailer', for over 20 years, Layline is back with a new vigor to provide sailors with the absolute best in custom rigging, gear, and sailing apparel. Layline is proud to be the Title Sponsor and Official Supplier of Gear and Rigging of the 2010 Layline Oakcliff U.S. Melges 24 Nationals as well as the Platinum Sponsor of the U.S. Optimist Class, Official Supplier to their U.S. National Team and Title Sponsor of the 2010 USODA Layline Nationals. Visit layline.com to learn more.

OAKCLIFF SAILING CENTER
The Oakcliff Sailing Center, located in Oyster Bay, NY offers a growth path for sailors who are serious about excelling in competition as well as in the business of sailing. Operating from an America's Cup-like campus, they maintain a cutting edge fleet of Swedish Match 40's, Shields, Melges 24's, Farr 40's, IRC racers, and three classic wooden yachts.

As a foundation dedicated to the growth of individuals who are serious about the sport, Oakcliff founded the Acorn Program. This program immerses recipients in the world of sailing, covering everything from the sponsorship/business side of sailing, to high-level match racing skills. Graduating Acorns are fully prepared to manage race boats, sail in the America's Cup or become a business entrepreneur. Visit oakcliffsailing.org to learn more.

SAIL NEWPORT
Sail Newport's Mission is to grow the sport of sailing, bring special events to Newport, and to provide public access to sailing programs in Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay for all ages and all economic levels. Sail Newport's one design storage, regatta and service facilities make it the home for one design fleets such as the massive J/24 Fleet 50, the Laser 413 Frostbite Fleet and the 30+ boat Newport Shields Fleet 8. Visit sailnewport.org to learn more.

The USMCA would also like to extend a very special thank you to Melges USA, Quantum Sail Group,Cre843, Boston Meridian and Mac Designs.

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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 U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA) and the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA) on the web.

For more information or press photos, please contact:
Joy Dunigan
U.S. Melges 24 Class Association
Press Officer | Class Communications Director
+1 (912) 398-5776
skype: JOYSAVANNAH