USMCA NEWS

NEWS

PREPARATION. REGISTRATION. MELGES 24 ATLANTIC COAST CHAMPIONSHIP SENSATION!

16 NOVEMBER 2007 • The Melges 24 fleet has fun, no matter where they go. This great group of sailors makes it a point to have a great time on the course and off — yes, that includes weigh-in too! Forty-one Melges 24 teams have signed up to race, are registered and ready to go.

The first order for most was weigh-in. Past that, collecting registration packets that included some racing necessities as well as a complimentary tool kit supplied by West Marine that everyone just raved about. Then it was out to the boat for set-up where a parade of Melges 24s lined the parking lot, assembling and tweaking throughout the afternoon. The atmosphere included a lot of laugher and preparation. The day warmed up a bit with pleasant blues skies and sunshine. In general, everyone was having a good time before they even had the chance to go sail in the afternoon's scheduled practice races, chatting with friends while they got the boat ready, then in line for the splash.

From left to right: Brian Huntsman and owner Jim Golden 'Chillout'; Kia Cox gets to work on those uppers and lowers; Team Satisfaction in search of just that.

From left to right: Corinthian's Tony Stanley and crew, Doug Clark helps with the splash of Geoffery Pierini's 'Gazoo'; U.S. National Champion crew John Porter looking relaxed; Brad Jungels overseeing preparation.

From left to right: Michelle and Meredith wait patiently to splash 'Bulls Eye'; Gary Umberger; Shawn Grisham's 'Bulls Eye'

From left to right: Melges 24s waiting, craving competition; competitors get serious; 'Lightwave Nano' finds their way through the swamp.

Memorable moments: David Ford's resourceful Lightwave Nano Melges 24 team discovered what appeared to be an abandoned dock with working crane. The dock was just large enough for both Nano and Micro, the team claimed to have found their very own place amidst the swamps of the Florida Yacht Club! Hopefully they will find some good juju in their newly found marshland that will push them to the forefront of victory this weekend!

We're also proud to announce that usual two-part weigh-iners Shawn Grisham and his Bulls-Eye team weighed in all at the same time together today for the first time ever! Good karma is bound to deliver — we can feel it!

Look for full race reports and articles online each day after racing. This two day event is expected to be really fun and exciting. Stay tuned to usmelges24.com!