Field Crowned Layline OakCliff Melges 24 National Champion, Filter Takes Corinthian Honors

27 June 2010; Newport, R.I. - Congratulations to 2010 Layline Oakcliff Melges 24 U.S. National Champion Alan Field on WTF and his team comprised of Steve Hunt, Erik Shampain, Sarah Curran and Jeff Reynolds. "It feels great to win in a fleet like this, but it's just another step for us." said Field after racing. "Now, it's off to the Traverse City event and we'll be racing the North Americans at Rochester this coming September." Additional congratulations are extended to Annapolis' Henry Filter on Wild Child as he is the 2010 Layline Oakcliff Melges 24 Corinthian U.S. National Champion. Assisting Filter with the victory were crew members, Tom Murray, Ben Cesare and Ian Coleman.

In second overall is Geoff Ewenson at the helm for J.C. Raby on Evil Donut and third overall is David Dabney on Conejo Racing - Ocean Sailing Academy.

Last evening, the Melges Rocks took place with the fleets partying into the late evening hours at Riptide to the sounds of Chelley of the Ravers, free beer and great camaraderie! Special thanks to Melges USA for bringing this amazing party to Newport!

With Field leading the charge by two points, the fleet was greeted on Sunday morning with heavy fog and no breeze for the start of the final day of racing. They were immediately put under postponement with hopes of an eventual lift, sunshine and decent breeze, lasting for more than an hour and well past noon. At approximately 1 o’clock, racing was abandoned with Saturday’s results still standing.

An event such as 2010 Layline Oakcliff National Championship never happens without the unwavering dedication and input from Melges 24 owners and sailors, excellent sailing club volunteers and countless hours of organizing. The U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA) would specifically like to recognize the hard work and passion of NE District Governor Cary Siegler, Regatta Co-Chair J.C. Raby and Anthony Kotoun. Most especially to Kim Cooper at Sail Newport and awesome PRO Tom Duggan and committee for the incredible race management.

Top Five Results (FINAL)
1.) Alan Field, WTF; 2-[6]-2-1-3-4 = 12
2.) Geoff Ewenson/J.C. Raby, Evil Donut; 1-3-4-3-[10]-3 = 14
3.) David Dabney, Conejo Racing - Ocean Sailing Academy; [14]-1-6-5-2-2 = 16
4.) Henry Filter, Wild Child; 6-4-1-7-6-[8] = 24
5.) Jennifer Wilson, Convexity; 3-5-5-[14]-4-7 = 24

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Official Event Website

WHAT'S NEXT?
A pinnacle event on the schedule is the 2010 North American Championship happening on September 20-26 in Rochester, N.Y. Every team can count on more racing, more parties and more fun from host Rochester Yacht Club. Visit the Official Event Website today and Register Online.

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