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FIELD IN THE LEAD AFTER SENSATIONAL DAY OF BAY RACING IN ANNAPOLIS

20 OCTOBER 2007 - Annapolis, Md.; Eastport Yacht Club - The Melges 24 Class at the 2007 Northeast District Championship shot off four terrific races today. Eric Shampain onboard regatta leader Alan Field's WTF commented, "today was a great day for sailboat racing!". Field is in charge of the Melges 24 overall standings in Annapolis, two very slim points ahead of Terry Hutchinson on Quantum Racing.

The clouds lifted early, with not only the promise of warm sunny conditions but also some wind! As teams made their way to the course the wind was light and noticably on the increase.

The breeze wasn't the only thing pumping for the first start — the adrenelin rush was on as teams jostled for position. With the left side heavily favored big payoffs were in store for Field as he snagged the lead right at the mark. It was close as Sean Scarborough on Rhino was second ahead of Terry Hutchinson on Quantum Racing and Othmar Mueller Von Blumencron on Gannet. Blumencron had a great downwind run as he took over the lead position at the first gate. Hutchinson's performance was the epitome of 'patience is a virtue', keeping it cool, calm and collected saving the win on the last downwind run. Field just missed the finish settling for second and Blumencron, very close as well coming in from the left for third.

It was breeze on for race two with Hutchinson guarding the pin end as if it were Ft. Knox. Field however selected the right side and pounded the first weathermark in front of Scott Norris at the helm for David Ford on Lightwave Micro followed by Corinthian driver Al Girard helming for JC Raby on No Decorum from Newport, Rhode Island. As the race progressed it was white caps abound, at the second weathermark the breeze would fluctuate from 15-18 knots. Field battled on coming out on top in race two. Norris was hot on Field's heels taking second over Hutchinson in third. JC Raby and his No Decorum corinthian crew had an incredible day finishing fourth and in fifth — EYC's own Jim Golden on Chillout.

The breeze continued to build for the third start and the wave action was on the rise too. It was a puffy day as the breeze would appear, then reduce. Then big puffs and big waves would blow through and produce some interesting moments of high intensity at the mark roundings. But intensity came in another form for Simon Strauss on Gill as he took the initial lead at the weathermark, just ahead of Hutchinson who was quick to take advantage blasting to the front of the pack. The breeze filled in a little more and the upwind, downwind battle of Hutchinson, Strauss, Scarborough and Field was on again. Hutchinson proceeded to blow the doors off the fleet with more than substantial two minute lead to win the race. The hotter match race was between Strauss and Scarborough. Scarborough got the upperhand leading the corinthian charge landing second, Field settled for third. Blumencron was fourth and in fifth was Strauss.

With Hutchinson leading the regatta by one point, followed by Field in second, a fourth and final race was commenced under steady sunshine and great sailing conditions. The first start resulted in a general recall. On the second start the fleet was split right down the middle. Field, Blumencron, Hutchinson and Norris went at it again. Field pulled off the win, Blumencron, Norris and Hutchinson finished respectively.

For Sunday's races, there are three more races on tap to complete the championship. Field is the overnight leader with seven points, followed by Hutchinson in second with nine. The big jump is from second to third overall Norris with sixteen, Blumencron and Scarborough tied fifth and sixth with seventeen points each.

TOP TEN RESULTS
01.) Alan Field; USA-587 WTF
02.) Terry Hutchinson/Rob MacMillan; USA-623 Quantum Racing
03.) Scott Norris/David Ford; USA-655 Lightwave Micro
04.) Othmar Mueller Von Blumencron; USA-679 Gannet
05.) Sean Scarborough; USA-717 Rhino (c)
06.) Michael McGuckin; USA-718 Bodacious (c)
07.) Jim Golden; USA-606 Chillout
08.) Bill Carleton; USA-378 Tiburon (c)
09.) Simon Strauss; USA-592 Gill (c)
10.) JC Raby; USA-47 No Decorum (c)

FULL RESULTS

The 2007 MELGES 24 NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP is proudly sponsored by ANNAPOLIS PERFORMANCE SAILING, GALE FORCE SAILING, INIKI.COM, NORTH SAILS, and NOAA. QUANTUM SAILS is the official sponsor of the 2007 Melges 24 NEDC Corinthian Competition. The 2007 NEDC is honorably hosted by the EASTPORT YACHT CLUB (EYC). EYC is also the chosen host of the 2008 Melges 24 North American Championship on 20-26 October, and the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship on 20 October - 1 November.

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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. Visit the OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF THE U.S. MELGES 24 CLASS ASSOCIATION (USMCA), and the INTERNATIONAL MELGES 24 CLASS ASSOCIATION (IMCA) for additional information.

If you would like to receive press releases and/or photos for this event please contact JOY DUNIGAN, 2007 MELGES 24 NORTHEAST DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT PRESS OFFICER/ USMCA PRESS OFFICER via email or on mobile at (912) 398-5776.