Layline Oakcliff Melges 24 National Championship Revs Its Engine In Newport

21 June 2010; Newport, R.I. - The 2010 Layline Oakcliff Melges 24 National Championship officially gets underway this weekend, June 25-27, hosted by Sail Newport. Intense and competitive Melges 24 racing is a given while several parties are planned shore side, each one offering enough free libations and entertainment to make sure competitors are spending all their racing budget towards going fast on the water. Entries are likely to hit 20 boats with final competitors jumping aboard given the large fleet in attendance.

Prior to racing, are the usual national event class requirements of registration and weigh-in. Every participating team should pay close attention to the following items:

All competing teams will be required to see USMCA Class Administrator, Joy Dunigan prior to completing registration. Weigh-in will be taking place on Thursday, June 24, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Mule Barn, at Sail Newport and completes that evening at 6 p.m. If anyone needs to weigh-in on Friday morning, please make arrangements by e-mailing Joy Dunigan in advance.

USMCA Membership is required for all owners, charters, drivers and crew to compete. Visit theUSMCA Online and check to see if you or any crew need to join. If you know you need to Join The USMCA, then do so as soon as possible. For all other inquiries and questions, please contact USMCA Class Administrator, Joy Dunigan.

At 1 p.m., prepare for a professionally conducted practice race happening in the exact spot where official racing will be held — it’s the perfect opportunity for you, the team and the boat to get into the groove. Practice starts and some windward/leeward legs are scheduled.

Friday through Sunday is reserved for the ultimate, the maximum in high-powered Melges 24 racing. Each day, apres racing something special is planned. On Friday evening, Newport’s Melges sailing couple of Malcolm and Kathy Gefter on Celeritas will welcome the fleet into their lovely mansion located adjacent to Sail Newport for a "come as you are right off the boat" cocktail party. Complementary beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. It’s a great place to relax from a day on the water before you get ready to head out on the town.

On Saturday evening, yet another unprecedented Melges Rocks Party happens at Riptide! Don’t miss out on this legendary party and you can bet, with a live band — Chelley from the Ravers, beer and beverages on hand — this will be a party to remember. A very special thanks to Melges Performance Sailboats for rocking Newport!

Sunday, a stream of grand prizes will be awarded. From the beautiful and unique overall awards to crowning the 2010 U.S. National Champion and Corinthian Champion, a variety of gifts will be given to the fleet including subscriptions to Seahorse Magazine, Musto performance gear, go-fast tactical gear from Mac Design and much, much more!

MAKE A LAST MINUTE DECISION
Summertime in Newport is awesome and the sailing conditions are ideal for a championship like this. Get off the fence and make Newport your destination on June 25-27! Entries are being accepted right up until the very last moment. There is no better time than NOW to join the world's premiere fleet of sportboats — the Melges 24 on Narragansett Bay is primo!

Download An NOR (Notice Of Race)
Register Online
View The Current Entry List 
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 USAQuantum Sail Group,Cre843Boston 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