FORTHCOMING EVENTS PREVIEW MARCH-MAY

March thru May brings us another fantastic batch of regattas for your delight and delectation. To help you plan your programme here are further details and updates:

This coming weekend we have two fantastic US based events for you:

The 2005 Melges 24 Gulf Coast Championship is taking place on March 10-13 at the brand new Jackson Yacht Club in Jackson, Mississippi. The Gulf Coast Region is a growing region and will be ramping up for what is going to be an incredible racing season starting with North American Ranking Event number three.

Also running from 10-13 March is Acura Miami Race Week, which is now being managed by the Premiere Racing Team who also bring us Key West Race Week. Premiere have made some important changes to the regatta including returning the Melges 24s and other keelboat classes to Biscayne Bay and with around 30 entries expected we can look forward to a return to they heyday of the SORC.

Following extreme bad weather last weekend the Italian Volvo Cup in Alassio has been rescheduled for this coming weekend, 11-13 March.

The European Ranking Series opens with the always-impressive SNIM Regatta in Marseille over the Easter weekend (25-28 March). With upwards of 70 crews from all over Europe expected to attend, this year’s SNIM is set to be another classic. Devoti Sailing will be supporting the event so if you need spares or service on site please E-mail Kay or Paul at Devoti with details.

The 2005 US National Championship will be held in association with Sailing World Magazine’s Annapolis NOOD Regatta from April 29 – May 1. Annapolis is one of those legendary venues that offer not only superb racing but also great après sailing activities. Traditionally the largest of the NOOD Regattas, this year’s fleet will be further enhanced by the 30 plus Melges 24s expected for the Nationals.

May sees a flurry of National Championships starting with the French Open Championship from May 5-8 which is being run in association with the SIV in La Rochelle. The German Open Championship is also running from 5-7 May at Tutzing on Lake Starnberg and the month closes with the Swedish Open Championship at Borstahusens, Malmo, Sweden from May 27-29.

We've also got a host of national and regional events coming up so check out the Full 2005 Regatta Schedule for more information.