USMCA NEWS

NEWS

MIDWEST RAMPUP — 2008 GATEWAY REGATTA IS ONLY SIX WEEKS AWAY!

24 MARCH 2008 • The inaugural Gateway Melges 24 Spring Regatta will be held May 3-4, 2008. Carlyle Sailing Association (CSA) is the host club, and sailing will be on the beautiful waters of Carlyle Lake in central Illinois. We are within easy reach of many boats so please consider us in your 2008 travel plans. This event will include close racing on the water, and good fun off the water. CSA is a welcoming and low-key club and our members will show you Gateway style hospitality!

EVENT SPECIAL:
2002 Melges 24 World Champion crew and member of Team Zenda with Melges Performance Sailboats, Andy Burdick will be providing on the water tips and advice on Saturday as well as a Tuning and Boat Set-Up Chat on Friday! An event photographer on the water taking photos — you will receive a free CD of regatta photos as part of your entry fee.

"Carlyle is a great place to sail. I have sailed there numerous times and we have always been impressed with the great body of water that is Carlyle and what great sailing conditions you have. the lack of motor boat chop really makes for a great regatta venue. May should be a great time of year to sail at Carlyle with the promise of great wind and weather."
— Harry Melges, 2002 Melges 24 World Champion, CEO Melges Performance Sailabots

EVENT SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, MAY 2
1800-2200: Arrive, registration, boat setup, happy hour

SATURDAY, MAY 3
0800-0930 Breakfast, Launching, Registration
0930: Competitors meeting
1015: Warning signal Race 1, additional races to follow
1800: Dinner at CSA

SUNDAY, MAY 4
0730: Breakfast
0855: Warning signal, additional races to follow
1200: No warning signal given after this time
Presentation of prizes immediately following the final race

Entry fee is $175, and includes the regatta fee, four lunches on both race days, and four tickets for Saturday's dinner. Additional lunches and dinners will be available.

Logistics at CSA are easy. We have three hoists for the Melges, or two ramps if you prefer. Boats can be dry sailed from Carlyle Sailing Association and may remain in the water Saturday night at the preference of the crew. Limited covered boat storage is available prior to the event if you need to bring your boat early (contact Rick for arrangements).

There are two local motels - Mariner's Village Microtel 618-594-7666 and Super 8 618-594-8888/1-800-800-8000 (mention CSA for discount)

Visit the fleet web site: www.GatewayMelges24.com For online registration click "schedule" and then the link for the "Gateway Melges 24 Spring Regatta".

Email or call if you have any questions. Tom Wyman or call (314) 753-9183 or Rick Bernstein (314) 324-3024

Midwest Fleet Zero looks forward to welcoming you to this first annual event!!