Showdown in Jacksonville at Florida Yacht Club's Famous King's Day Regatta

From the USMCA - Jacksonville, Florida • More than forty Melges 24s are scheduled to compete at the 2007 Florida Yacht Club's King's Day Regatta making this the ultimate regatta showdown! Year-after-year it lives up to and exceeds expectations. This is also the Atlantic Coast Championship for the U.S. Melges 24 Class, and for 2007 will conclude the internationally sanctioned North American Ranking event schedule. In true M24 style — this class has delivered some of the most notable names and talents in the industry.

It's to no one's surprise that the likes of former America's Cup 'Emirates Team New Zealand's' top tactician and recently crowned 2007 Melges 24 Northeast District Champion Terry Hutchinson is back in the thick of all things Melges 24. Rumors have circulated quickly that his upmost goal is to win the 2008 Worlds in Sardinia this coming spring. Hutchinson's impressive performance in Annapolis, Maryland a month ago was a clear exultation of aggression and fierce competition. Not that it was an easy win for him, but none the less a show of true experience and skill. His very closest competition was Los Angeles' Alan Field, and a little further back Scott Norris on David Ford's 'Lightwave Micro' and Corinthian Simon Strauss — all back for more this weekend. Another competitor that is expected to offer up some definitive challenge is 2007 U.S. National Champion Brian Porter on 'Full Throttle.'

There are others expected to do very well also. A thriving and flourishing Corinthian division never ceases to amaze as this sector of the Melges 24 Class is a really hot ticket. Regularly weekend warriors can be seen requesting the pros to check their egos at the mark roundings. Mike Dow, Bill Carleton, Geoff Pierini, JC Raby as well as 2007 Corinthian National Champion Chuck Holzman will all be there! Corinthians 100% of the time are in full-on contention with — not only the best in the Melges 24 class, but also with those in the world! It's true! The Melges 24 builds better sailors and covets an amatuer division that brings those who excel to the forefront of class conversation and spotlight.

Friday will be a full day for teams as weigh-in and registration takes place, followed by two days of racing on the St. John's River Saturday and Sunday. Evening socials including FYC's famous oyster roast on the front lawn is slated for welcoming the fleet.

Full race reports and releases will be issued each day so stay tuned to the official website of the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association — www.usmelges24.com. For additional information about this event, please contact USMCA Press Officer Joy Dunigan (communications@usmelges24.com) via email at or via phone at (912) 398-5776.