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BRYAN PORTER IS 2006 MELGES 24 NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION!

21 MAY 2006 - Brian Porter and his Full Throttle crew of Harry Melges, III, John Porter and Dave Navin are the 2006 Melges 24 North American Champions! "The hospitality here has been fantastic. Bret Gripenstraw and the club really put on a great event. I love sailing in Santa Cruz. Dave Ullman, he is one of my most favorite competitors to race against, not just because he is a very good sailor, but he is also an great sportsman," said Porter in regards to his win.

The four day event turned into a two day event (no wind on Saturday and Sunday) as Porter edged out Dave Ullman on Pegasus 505 by one point to win. "Those guys did a great job and really deserve to win. When your worst finish is a fourth, you deserve to win." said Ullman.

Bruce Ayres and his Monsoon crew have been awarded fourth overall and are the 2006 Corinthian Melges 24 North American Champion. Despite the fact that they won Ayres commented, "we need to have more time in the boat, and we need to do more regattas."

After Saturday's cancellation due to lack of wind, Sunday proved to be no more exciting. It was a complete washout as what wind there was, refused to settle in a set direction long enough to set a course and get racing underway. In addition, the teams bobbed around in constant rain. At around 2:30 p.m. pacific time, the regatta was declared finished and Porter champion!

PRESS RELEASE: INTERNATIONAL MELGES 24 CLASS ASSOCIATION

2006 NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO GALLERY

FULL RESULTS

In addition the standard Melges 24 Class coverage, the city of Santa Cruz stood up and took notice of the racing on Thursday and Friday - CHECK OUT THIS ADDITIONAL, LOCAL SANTA CRUZ EVENT COVERAGE.