Newport Prepares For Sportboat Action

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND (JUNE 1, 2010) -In just over three weeks, the US Melges 24 Class will crown a new US National Champion in Newport, R.I. alongside the exploding Melges 32 Class as they battle for the 2010 East Coast Championship.  The fleet can already count entries to the event from as far away as Japan, California, and Colorado, with top competitors entered in both fleets.  There is a great opportunity for silver in the Melges 24 Corinthian class as well, as the level of competition is broadly distributed between top professionals and up-and-coming true amateur sailors.

"We're hugely excited to be hosting these important championships for two of the most exciting boat designs in sailing," said Event Chairman and long-time Newport racer JC Raby.  "We're glad to show off our incredible sailing conditions to a new group of racers on the Melges 32, and as a Melges 24 sailor, I can't wait to compete against some of the talented guys and girls that will be attending the Layline/Oakcliff US Nationals."

Named for the Wisconsin-based family that's been building high-quality racing boats for nearly a century, the Melges 24 and Melges 32 are archetypes of the lightweight and ultra fast sailing craft known as 'sportboats,' which represent some of the fastest-growing racing classes in the US.  "There's nothing I'd rather race than a Melges 24," said 'Simplicity' skipper and 2008 Corinthian National Champion Simon Strauss. "And there are few places as enjoyable to race in as Newport in the summer." 

Value To Competitors A Top Priority  
As frequently happens after a US-based World Championship, the US Melges 24 fleet has struggled to maintain big numbers since the November 2009 Worlds in Annapolis, MD., Newly-elected US Melges 24 Class President Steve Kopf knew that huge fleets weren't going to happen in Newport this June, so the Class and Newport organizers have concentrated on fostering great competition with fantastic race management, while providing quality awards and unprecedented onshore entertainment, ensuring an unforgetful trip to one of the world's most ideal sailing spots.

"Coming off the Annapolis Worlds and with the economic situation the way it is, we weren't surprised to see late '09 and early '10 start off slowly," said Kopf.  "But we're already seeing fleets show some real growth, and we expect Newport to mark the real launch of the 11-month buildup to the 2011 Worlds in Corpus Christie."  Kopf says that much of the new interest in the Class has resulted from the availability of so many bargain boats in great condition, while another major factor helping interest in the US Class is "spectacular regional racing all over the US."  Kopf says that Seattle, Michigan, and Charleston all have extremely strong and active fleets, while two brand new multi-event series - the 2010 California Cup and The 2011 Road To Corpus Sailing Series - are pushing sailors back into actively racing M24s.

The US Class is "strongly committed to helping Melges 24 owners and prospective owners get out on the race course," according to Kopf, and for US Nationals, they've partnered with Co-Title Sponsor Oakcliff Sailing Center in the offer of six nearly new Melges 24 raceboats for charter at an ultra-discounted price.  "Oakcliff's mission is to help enthusiastic racers and up-and-coming talent grow into responsible sailing leaders," said Executive Director Dawn Riley.  "With its unintimidating size, simple layout, and exhilarating performance, the Melges 24 is the perfect platform to spread that mission, and we're happy to be able to offer our Melges 24 fleet to people who want to race against the best."  Click here for more information about the Oakcliff charter program. 

Oakcliff's generous charter program isn't the only big value at the Layline/Oakcliff  M24 Nationals/M32 NE Champs either; regatta Co-Title Sponsor and Official Supplier to the International Melges 24 Class "Layline.com" may be under new ownership, but they're continuing a strong tradition of supporting great One-Design racing with their sponsorship of the M24 Nationals.  Layline's fully stocked mobile store will be on hand with everything a Melges 24 or 32 team needs, from apparel to blocks to running and standing rigging.  Layline has further sweetened the pot for those attending, offering a full 15% off retail price of any order to any boat that registers before June 17th.  The offer is valid for any order placed during the month of June, and excludes electronics.  Go to 667a2cc1f0dcffac3&id=13f8ed634d&e=8a8b0f5240">Layline.com or use your discount at the mobile store at Sail Newport.

The social scene at the Layline/Oakcliff Nationals/NE Champs needs to live up to Newport's and the Melges family's reputation for socializing, and thanks to Melges Performance Sailboats and other sponsors, two off-the-wall parties are planned during the regatta.  Friday night, competitors will be treated to a competitor cocktail party directly after racing at one of Newport’s classic mansions, and Saturday welcomes in the now famous (some would say 'infamous') Melges Rocks! Party at the Riptide Bar & Grill.

Visiting competitors to the Layline/Oakcliff M24 Nationals can maximize the value of their dollar - along with their time on the beautiful waters of Newport - by leaving their boat at Sail Newport's facility until the Coastal Living Sail Newport Regatta just two weeks after Nationals.  This low-key multiclass regatta has delivered great sportboat racing throughout recent memory.  "Newport can be surprisingly inexpensive for such a great town, and splitting logistics costs between both the US Nationals and the Sail Newport Regatta makes it even more affordable," said Strauss.  "Our team considers this beautiful place one of the best on the entire circuit." 

Corinthian Deadline Close At Hand
Less than a week remains for Melges 24 Corinthian competitors to file their declarations.  Go to the USMCA website for more information.  You can also learn more about the Melges 32 at theClass website, and check out the current entry list for Layline/Oakcliff Nationals/NE Champs at the event website.

And look for more exciting news from this exciting event next week, including an analysis of the teams and their chances, and an announcement detailing the numerous sites that will be covering the event..  The clock's ticking, so sign up today!

About The US Melges 24 Class
The reputation of the Melges 24® precedes itself. Best known for its very competitive disposition and easy-to-sail personality, this modern sportboat maintains its status as a leader in high-performance, one design yachting. With more than 800 boats sold, it continues a humbling tradition of America's Cup, Olympic Medallists, and Volvo Ocean Race recruitment. Looking to improve on tactics and boat handling skills? The Melges 24 builds better sailors and leaves lasting smiles. 

About Layline.com

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 Official Supplier of Gear and Rigging to the International Melges 24 Class and Title sponsor of the 2010 Layline/Oakcliff US Melges 24 Nationals as well as the Platinum Sponsor of the US Optimist Class, Official Supplier to their US National Team and Title Sponsor of the 2010 USODA Layline Nationals.  Visit layline.com to learn more.

About 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.

About The Melges 32 Class
The Melges 32® is one design racing at its best. Since 2005, it has successfully delivered bigger, better, more-simplified sailing that is fun and competitive. Complementing its sporty attitude, it possesses one of the most diverse regatta schedules that includes many prestigious venues supported by an organized and well-established class association.

About 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.

For more information about the US Melges 24 National Championship or the Melges 32 Northeast Championship, please email Cary Siegler at info@cre843.com.  For media inquiries, please phone 401.608.2662.

Below are a few important links, and be sure to go the official regatta site for details.