Sail-World.com : 2008 Melges 24 North American Championship (NAC)
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2008 Melges 24 North American Championship (NAC) |
Annapolis, Md., one of America's great sailing mecca's is stirring with excitement and preparation as the start of 2008 Melges 24 North American Championship (NAC), hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club (EYC) draws ever closer. Adding to this celebration of great one-design competition is a vast line-up of sponsor-driven social activities and libations you won't want to miss.
Bringing the performance sportboat experience full circle is race sponsor North Sails. They are looking forward to helping teams sail smoother and faster courtesy of their Event Weather Center. Detailed forecasting will be provided in the form of sail-specific reports which contain brief synopses, temperatures, wind predictions and much, much more. North Sails will deliver these reports via e-mail for those that Register In Advance. Hard copies will also be made available at EYC starting Tuesday, 28 October thru 1 November.
In addition, North is equally proud to announce that former Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Chris Larson (Annapolis, Md.) will be providing pre-race morning discussions on the tactical considerations of that day's weather forecasts as well as share his local knowledge and experience about sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. Chris is a multi-class World Champion, notably 2006 Melges 24 U.S. National and 2007 Melges 24 Pre-Worlds Champion. Get your crew off to a great start every morning with these valuable talks at the Eastport Yacht Club.
The social calendar for the 2008 NAC is rapidly taking shape with opportunities for Melges 24 teams, families and EYC members to mix and mingle from the first race signal to the final award presented.
The North American Championship officially opens on Tuesday, 28 October at 18:00-20:00 with the Pusser's Rum Caribbean Grille Crew Party. The Skipper's Meeting will get things started, then honorary guest speaker Gary Jobson will join the fleet for a relaxed evening of casual fun and discussion.
On Thursday evening, 30 October get ready to ROCK — MELGES 24 STYLE! Melges Performance Sailboats will host another official Melges Rocks Party to mark the global success of the Melges 24. Drinks, friends and a rockin' band await the fleet after a long day of racing. Details will be provided soon.
The grand finale is sponsored by long-time Melges 24 owner Stuart Simpson (London, UK) and his infamous Team Barbarians. EYC will host the closing soiree on Saturday, 1 November featuring live music in conjunction with an award ceremony. Supporting the fleet until the very end, Pusser's will again provide the rum!
Annapolis is a city rich in art, culture, maritime history, dining and shopping experiences extending social opportunities well beyond the regatta. There are spooky ghost walking tours taking place on Halloween, 31 October, and by day families can enjoy a mini-bus 'Discover Annapolis Tour' and food history walking tours. For the party-going types, the 'Best Happy Hours In The World - Annapolis, Maryland' pamphlet will be found inside competitor kits.
Don't waste another moment contemplating as to whether you should compete, the final entry deadline for the NAC is 17 October. Forty-two Melges 24s have already joined the ranks of the largest International Melges 24 North American Championship gathering ever! EYC is also the host site for the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship on 27 October - 07 November. There is no better time than now to test the waters of the Chesapeake Bay!
For teams already registered, please be aware that lunch order forms from the Harbor Deli and Boat Yard Bar & Grill will be located inside competitor paks. Have you secured your accommodations yet? Make life easy and contact Sail 22. They can help coordinate team details today, so when you arrive your team can focus on going fast and having fun.
The 2008 North American Championship is sponsored by Pusser’s Rum, Coral Reef Sailing Apparel, Gill, Melges Performance Sailboats, North Sails, Velocitek, Annapolis Wireless Internet (AWI), Harken, Sail 22, Quantum Sails and Westin Annapolis. The Melges 24 Class and the Eastport Yacht Club are extremely proud to be partnered with these outstanding companies and thank them for their generous support of the 2008 Melges 24 North American Championship.
by Melges 24 media
9:43 PM Sat 4 Oct 2008 GMT
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