MELGES 24 TEAMS GET IN FINAL PRACTICE FOR TERRA NOVA KEY WEST

The vast majority of the 57 Melges 24 crews entered for Terra Nova Key West 2003 are out on the race area right now getting in some final practise before racing commences tomorrow morning. With 20 knots of breeze from the north and glorious sunshine sailing conditions are perfect although temperatures are low for this time of year in the mid 60s. Among the hot favourites for this year's Key West title are 2001 Melges World Champions and 2002 Key West winner Flavio Favini who is hot back from the Italian America's Cup Challenge with Mezcal Latino, Key West regulars John and Brian Porter, Norwegian Kristian Neergard who counts reigning World Champion Harry Melges amongst his crew, and the 2001 and 2002 Melges 24 World Ranking Champion Jamie Lea from Britain.

Most of the Melges competitors are now registered and weighed in so everyone is set to go tomorrow. Tonight we have the welcome party down at the main tent giving everyone the chance to catch up on all the winter gossip and racing starts tomorrow morning at 10am.