Register Online for 2008 Melges 24 North American Championship

PRESS RELEASE - 29 JULY 2008 - REGISTER ONLINE FOR THE 2008 MELGES 24 NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP, OFFICIAL EVENT SPONSORS ANNOUNCED

Online Registration for the 2008 Melges 24 North American Championship is now available. The event will be hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis, Md. on 26 October - 02 November. As many as 60 teams are expected to compete. The early entry deadline for the NAC is August 1, so please get your entries in as soon as possible.

"Autumn racing in Annapolis on the Melges 24 is bound to be spectacular. The sailing conditions will be ideal for a continental championship event, let alone one in a high performance sportboat,' commented Regatta Co-Chair, IMCA Executive Committee Member and USMCA Vice President Bill Carleton. "Adding to this world class event is a venue with a deep maritime heritage, and there is plenty to do for the family — some of the world's best shopping and dining is within walking distance of the yacht club. Not to mention, all the culture and activities Baltimore and Washington, DC have to offer is just a short drive away."

In addition to Registering Online, be sure to also download the Notice Of Race .

2008 NAC ATTRACTS FIRST ROUND OF OFFICIAL EVENT SPONSORS
There is nothing more spectacular than the site of big fleet Melges 24 racing. Being a sponsor of the Melges 24 class brings a wealth of exposure to some of the world's most elite sailors and yacht racing programs. The Eastport Yacht Club and the Melges 24 Class would specifically like to recognize and thank the below companies that are officially onboard:

OFFICIAL APPAREL SPONSOR FOR 2008 NAC & 2009 WORLDS: Coral Reef Sailing Apparel and Gill
Coral Reef Sailing apparel has been selected as the official provider of event apparel for the 2008 Melges 24 North American Championship and 2009 World Championship. These events are truly exciting opportunities which Coral Reef will enhance with specialty apparel for both the regatta and the class.

Coral Reef Sailing Apparel will be providing apparel for these events which can be purchased online and on-site. On-site, CRSA will have their mobile retail experience which includes Gill technical apparel. Gill is a brand leader in foul weather apparel which is specific to the sailing enthusiast. CRSA's retail experience includes Gills full line of products including mid-layers, jackets, quick dry shorts, hikers, sunglasses, luggage and much more.

In 2009, Coral Reef Sailing Apparel will work hand in hand with Gill to build an exclusive product line for the Melges 24. The line will include basics such as cotton and microfiber shirts, polos, shorts, fleece jackets and outerwear. It will truly be an exciting time for all parties, especially members of the Melges 24 class. Coral Reef Sailing Apparel anticipates having this line debut for the Worlds event.

Coral Reef Sailing Apparel's President George Cannon is extremely pleased with supporting the Melges 24 for these events. "I truly see this as a great partnership in which Coral Reef has an opportunity to support a great class," he said.

OFFICIAL LODGING SPONSOR: Westin Annapolis
The Westin Annapolis hotel is proud to be the official lodging sponsor for the 2008 Melges 24 North American Championships and is located less than 2 miles (3.2 km) from the Eastport Yacht Club. The special regatta rate is $199/night and you may either book online (link here) or call in reservations. When calling, the toll free number is 1-888-627-8994. Ask for group reservations and mention "Melges 24 2008 North American Championship" to receive the special rate.

About the hotel: The Westin Annapolis hotel opened in July 2007 and is the centerpiece of a European inspired 13-acre mixed-use community that includes restaurants, shops, office buildings and condominiums. Its 225 guest rooms and suites are designed with the ultimate comfort in mind. Sleep well in the Heavenly Bed® and refresh in the Heavenly Bath®. Every room offers large workspaces, wireless high-speed internet access, flat screen HD TVs, individual climate control, Heavenly Bath Robes® an in-room safe large enough to accommodate a laptop computer, and 24-hour room service. Reenergize in the most extensive hotel fitness center in Annapolis – The WestinWORKOUT® Gym or in the heated indoor pool. Replenish and refuel with delightful food and drink in the Azure Restaurant and Lounge. Discriminating diners will also appreciate the Morton's Steakhouse® restaurant conveniently located in the hotel. Less than one mile (1.6 km) from the Annapolis City Dock (waterfront), The Westin Annapolis hotel is the ideal choice for both business and leisure.

EVENT PARTNER: Melges Performance Sailboats
If you missed the Melges Rocks party in Key West this past January, then get ready to rock with Melges once again in Annapolis at the 2008 Melges 24 Rocks Party! Melges Performance Sailboats is sponsoring another great party to celebrate the major success of the Melges 24 worldwide. Check out the new www.melges.com!

OFFICIAL RACING SPONSOR: Velocitek
Velocitek is excited to bring its top speed challenge to Melges 24 racing with the Velocitek $1,000 Speed Challenge. Velocitek will award a $1,000 cash prize for the top speed registered using a Velocitek device during this year's North American Championship.

Velocitek is a marine electronics manufacturer focused on providing performance training tools for competitive sailors. The Velocitek SC-1 GPS Race Computer combines a GPS speedometer and VMG sensor with a compass, countdown timer, start line proximity meter and GPS data logger, which provides sailors with all the information they need to trim for optimal VMG (Velocity Made Good) and to make sound tactical decisions. The Velocitek Control Center software allows sailors to download sail tracks logged from multiple devices for replay or for export to track analysis software. Velocitek provides a 30-day money back guarantee on all their products. For more information visit www.velocitek.com.

OFFICIAL RACING SPONSOR: North Sails One Design
North Sails One Design makes the fastest sails for over 100 one design classes all over the world. North Sails One Design's focus on the Melges 24 class is directly reflected in the results its customers have achieved. In the biggest Melges 24 regatta ever, this year's Worlds in Porto Cervo, customers powered by North finished 1,2,3. The message is clear. When performance matters, North is the only way! To learn more about North's Melges 24 sails, visit www.onedesign.com.