Rocksteady is there name, a group of young, in the groove sailors tearing up the Melges scene. With a full schedule of Melges racing in 09′ and regattas planned for 2010, Cary Siegler (owner/driver), Beth Siegler (owner/bowgal), Seith Siegler (Tactician/Genius), Jeff Gentzen (trimmer/Always), and Cameron Brower (Middle man/extreme hiker) will be throwing some competition towards the Melges fleet when they open up 2010 season with the Melges 24 North American Championships and Charleston Race Week. Watch for them. Check out their site here.

Annapolis, Md. (September 9, 2009) – With a little more than a month to go until the commencement of the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship happening October 23-31, hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club (EYC), the Event Organizers encourage all sailors to take a closer look at Official World Championship Apparel Sponsors Coral Reef Sailing Apparel (CRSA) and Gill.

President of CRSA, George Cannon is no stranger to the Melges 24 racing scene in the U.S. He knows first hand how important it is to have your team ready for World Championship level competition. The right gear and accessories are essential.

Cannon’s dedication to the Melges 24 is unparalleled and enduring, a deep passion that spawned a firm, long-lasting alliance with the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA). For more than three years, CRSA has been the Official Class Outfitter of the USMCA and in partnership with Gill, they were the Official Apparel Sponsor for the 2008 North American Championship. The very latest in Gill’s technical clothing, foul weather apparel, shirts, jackets and vests can be purchased online or onsite at CRSA’s regatta store. You name it, you need it, CRSA has got it.

“Melges 24 racing is as good as it gets. Unbeatable performance and high-quality sailing, this is exactly what Gill represents.” says David Pritchard, president of Gill North America. “We have always carried a comprehensive commitment and well-defined understanding for one design sailing. Our partnership with the Melges 24 Class exudes our dedication and desire to cater to the weekend warrior, to the collegiate sailor, all the way up to the elite sportboat team.”

Those attending the 2009 Melges 24 Worlds should make it a priority to visit the CRSA Website to browse and purchase a full selection of items. CRSA offers discounts for group orders and team outfitting. World Championship shirts, shorts, jackets, hats and bags can be personalized and will be available for pick-up at the event. All items must be ordered by October 5th to guarantee delivery at Worlds.

ENTRIES ON THE RISE
Thus far, 40 high-quality teams have registered — among them some of the greatest sailors in the world.Register Online if you have not already. Remember, crew lists do not need to be confirmed in order to register, but Corinthian crew lists must be confirmed by 9 October latest. Bookmark the Official Event Website. View the List Of Current Entries.

All entries need to be received by September 23. No entries will be accepted after October 9.

REMEMBER SEPTEMBER
The U.S.A. racing schedule is boiling hot with cool events during the month of September that will enable teams to effectively get ready for Worlds. From the Sperry Top-Sider Larchmont NOOD Regatta on the 12th-13th to San Francisco Race Week on the 18th-20th, to Charleston’s incredible Harbor Challenge on the 19th-20th and the George Griffith Memorial Regatta in Dallas on the 26th-27th, there are plenty of events race and get ready!

The heat continues into the month of October. Save the dates and plan to attend the forever famous Lake Geneva Fall Championship on the 3rd-4th. The ultimate warm-up, the 2009 Melges 24 Sail22 Tuning Regatta happens on the 8th-11th in the same location as Worlds featuring top competing teams, and the final training opportunity is the Eastport One Design Regatta with Worlds PRO Jeff Borland Oct 17-18th.

Visit the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association Website to view the remaining events for 2009.

THE 2009 MELGES 24 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IS SPONSORED BY:
Coral Reef Sailing Apparel & Gill – Official Apparel Sponsor
The official apparel sponsor for the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship is Coral Reef Sailing Apparel (CRSA) and Gill. CRSA is continuing their strong commitment to the Melges 24 class by providing apparel for the World Championship. Items can be purchased online now, or on-site at the event. Gill is a brand leader in foul weather apparel specific to the sailing enthusiast.

Atlantic Yacht Rigging – Official Rigging Partner
The official rigging partner for the 2009 Melges 24 World Championship is Atlantic Yacht Rigging. AYRS is a full service company that can help with any of your rigging or repair needs any time of the year. From wire swaging projects to fiberglass repair and everything in between, they will be onsite providing the best service to the entire fleet.

Other supporting sponsors include t2p.tv, Sail22, Boatyard Bar and Grill, Sam’s Waterfront Cafe,Pusser’s Rum, Go! The Airport Shuttle, APS Ltd., Team Barbarians, Racebook-US, North Sails One Design, SailFastPhoto, National Sailing Hall of Fame, PantherVision, Chesapeake Bay Roasting Co., MARINACastTV, SheSails, Inc., Boatinglaw.com, Latis Yachting Solutions, Annapolis Roads, Jabins Yacht Yard and Kathryn M. Weber, CPA. This event is also supported by the International Melges 24 Class Association (IMCA), the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USMCA) and the Annapolis Melges 24 Fleet #22.

The Melges 24 Class and Eastport Yacht Club are extremely proud to be partnered with these outstanding companies and sincerely thank them for their generous support of the 2009 Worlds.

Sponsorship opportunities still exist and tax deductible donations are also being accepted; please contact 2009 World Championship Regatta Chair Liz Filter if you would like to make a gift.