Three Great 2009 SLAM U.S. Championship Series Events Coming Up

Charleston Race Week, Lakefest Regatta and the Annapolis NOOD regatta welcome spring with big fleet Melges 24 racing and top-notch competition during April 2009

(April 6, 2009) - Three major SLAM U.S. National Championship Series events are on the horizon for the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA) — 2009 Charleston Race Week, Lakefest Regatta and Sailing World Magazine's Annapolis NOOD Regatta. Early entry and full registration deadlines are fast approaching for these events with participation destined to be in the double-digits.

Charleston Race Week, Entry Deadline April 9*
Anyone planning to compete at Charleston Race Week on April 16-19, please be advised that the FINAL entry deadline is this Thursday, April 9th at 18:00. As it stands, the Melges 24 is the largest fleet in attendance with a total of 36 entries. The fleet would love to see the number hit 40!

WEIGH-IN: YES! There will be a weigh-in for the Melges 24s in Charleston and open the same hours as registration. Another weigh-in session will take place on Friday morning from 07:30 - 08:00 a.m. Get The Details >>>

Lakefest Regatta, Early Entry Deadline April 13*
SLAM National Championship Series Event No. 6 - the 2009 Melges 24 Lakefest Regatta takes place on April 17-19 and is hosted by the Texoma Sailing Club. All Melges 24 teams planning to attend are encouraged to submit your entry as soon as possible. Historically, this regatta is one of the most successful, charitable events in the USA. Get The Details >>>

Annapolis NOOD , Early Entry Deadline April 6*
The early entry deadline for the 2009 Sperry Top-Sider Annapolis NOOD Regatta happens on April 24-26, hosted by the Annapolis Yacht Club is Monday, April 6th. Traditionally, this event has always been a great success for the Melges 24 Class. 2009 appears to be no different than the rest as currently, it is the one of the largest fleets registered.

WEIGH-IN: NO! However, all teams will be responsible for making certain their crew meets the class limit of 793.6 lbs Get The Details >>>

*U.S. Melges 24 Class Membership is required for competition. All owners must maintain an Owner level membership and all crew must maintain a crew level membership. All helmsman who are not owners must maintain a Driver membership. All Charterers must possess a Charter membership and crew are required to be members of the class as well. If you are not a member, please Join The Class prior to racing.

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About SLAM
A small group of friends — true sailing fanatics — decided, in 1979, to develop a sailing apparel line capable of providing concrete improvements to a sailor's comfort and performance. Their passion for research and innovation grew; a winning strategy which earned them much praise and a huge following, resulting in considerable sales growth. This will to continually improve and innovate led to widespread adoption of the brand, making it the technical apparel line of choice for some of the world's top sailors (not least, amongst them, Russell Coutts, three times winner of the America's Cup) - whereby SLAM technical clothing would be chosen when taking on new and important competitive challenges.

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 official class websites of the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA) and U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA). Also, bookmark the Official Blog of the Melges 24.

Joy Dunigan
U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA)
Class Communications Director | Executive Secretary
+1 (912) 398-5776
Skype: joysavannah