U.S. Melges 24 Class on the Threshold of Record Breaking NOOD Regatta

From the USMCA - St. Petersburg, Fla. - With just a day to go until the start of the 2008 Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta in St. Petersburg, Florida, the U.S. Melges 24 Class has accumulated an impressive, record-breaking 48 entries. Participants have flocked from around the world, including several from as far away as California, Canada and Bermuda.

The Melges 24 class is the largest in attendance and expected to be the highlight fleet of the regatta. With the likes of 2007 Northeast District Champion Terry Hutchinson on 'Quantum Racing'; 2007 U.S. National Champion Brian Porter on 'Full Throttle', Alan Field on 'WTF', Peter and Kristen Lane with their 'Brickhouse / Outhouse' program, and 2007 Southeast Ranking Champion Steve Kopf on 'Blur' scheduled to appear, they are favored to deliver command performances. In addition to the record overall turn-out, an all-time high number of Corinthian entries are expected as well.

Corinthian heart and passion runs deep with this event. The St. Pete's NOOD has always encouraged the amateur Melges 24 spirit, bringing about the very, very best in the fleet. We are certain that 2008 will meet and exceed those exact expectations. The class will celebrate in style with overall awards on Sunday for the top five Corinthian teams.

Today, the fleet will be assembling the boats, going out for practice as well as taking care of the mundane task of weigh-in which will be conducted all day and well into the evening hours during registration.

Friday, February 15th beginning at 8:30: p.m. - until the Melges 24 party will take place Cha Cha Coconuts. Cha Cha Coconuts is located in the 5-6 floor building at the very end of the big pier located across the street from the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. This is the same place as last year. A special thank you goes out to St. Pete NOOD Class Coordinator Tom Single as he has worked very hard on the party arrangements. And, special thanks to Melges Performance Sailboats as they are contributing some awesome door prizes and cool giveaways for the party too! So be there!

Full results and reports will be posted at the official website of the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA, www.usmelges24.com). Also see the official event website (www.sailingworld.com).