USMCA NEWS

NEWS

GEORGE HAYNIE TAKES AN EARLY LEAD IN THE 2008 SOUTHEAST CIRCUIT STANDINGS!

04 MARCH 2008 • Article Courtesy of USMCA, Southeast District Governor, Reid Collins • Tampa Melges 24 sailor George Haynie has taken an early lead in the 2008 SE Circuit with solid finishes in Key Largo, St. Pete, and Tampa. George is one the nicest people you'll meet and an excellent sailor. He finished 4th in last year's circuit. Congratulations George and keep it up.

2008 SOUTHEAST DISTRICT RANKINGS

Please keep me straight by checking them. Keep in mind only those regattas that are not nationally ranked are considered for the travel bonus this year. A couple of other things going on you may want to be aware of:

THE SOUTHEAST INLAND CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA that is normally held on Lake Lanier has been cancelled. As many of you know, the SE has experienced a pretty severe drought over the past year or so and Lanier lake levels declined more than 20 feet. We have had some good rain recently and the levels are back up a few feet, but we really need about 4 more feet to be able to launch boats and which I give low probably in four weeks.

No need to fret on the Lake Lanier regatta being cancelled as there are at least 3 additional regattas you should considering on exactly the same weekend. In the order I've heard about them

PORSCHE OF NAPLES CUP - definately sounds interesting to me with a name like that. Gary Schwarting is heading this up from an M24 perspective. They have commitments from 12 Melges 24's and are scheduled to do as many races as possible out in the Gulf of Mexico. They have arranged for the M24 fleet to be lifted in and out, trailer stored and dock space of $75.00. Gary Jobson will be speaking at Saturdays dinner along with Mount Gay as the sponsor. If you need information on this one, get in touch with GARY SCHWARTING at 239-850-8155.

DOGWOOD REGATTA • Fairhope Yacht Club located on Mobile Bay is holding its Dogwood Regatta also the weekend of March 29-30. The organizers are more than willing to host the Melges 24's and will get their own course if 5 or more boats show (which I don't see as a problem.) There are already several boats in this area as well, so I'd think it would be easy enough to get this regatta well attended as well. Fairhope is a great town with lots to explore, so it is very friendly to spouses and SO's. For information on this one, get in touch with BOB PATTERSON.

THE 2008 SARASOTA ONE DESIGN MIDWINTERS is being held the 29th and 30th of March. There will be a melges start and it was good racing last year. There are many boats in the Tampa/Naples/Sarasota area, so I'd expect a good turnout for this regatta. If you have questions on this one, contact CLIFF (USA 656, Goux Get Mama).

If you have any further detail on these regattas or have other announcements, please feel free to make these announcments directly to the list by addressing your e-mail to m24secircuit@googlegroups.com.

Best Regards,

Reid Collins
USMCA SE Governor
(404) 259-4346 (Cell)
www.usmelges24.com