Eric Hood reports direct from the race course of the 2003 St Petersburg NOOD - Nineteen Melges 24 teams made it to this years annual event. I believe it was the sixteenth or seventeenth event hosted by great sponsors and of course our primary sponsor Sailing World magazine.
The number of boats based in Holland and Belgium is steadily increasing and long standing Melges 24 owner Simon Hughes, now based in Holland, is keen to get in touch with all Melges sailors in the area with a view to arranging joint events, travel, etc.
The Melges 24s are returning to the SORC with some of the top US and European names committed to attending the regatta this year including Falavio Favini, Brian Porter, Luca Santella, Jamie Lea, Bruce Ayres, the Ecklunds and many more.
The forthcoming US Nationals, which take place from 13-15 March at the Pensacola Yacht Club, will be the second event in the 2003 World Ranking Series. With all the top US crews and many of the leading Europeans already committed to attending it's set to be a fantastic regatta.
