If you are looking for the perfect gift, here is your chance to scoop up some really cool photos from Official North American Championship photographer Paul Todd. He was on hand in Annapolis taking some cool shots. Check it out! Select the link below, then look to the bottom of the page to purchase prints.
Downtown Tampa, Fla. - November 22 • 2008 JOY | U.S. Melges 24 Class Association.
The 2008 Southeast District Championship is on the line in Tampa at the ACC. This is the final event for the USMCA in the South and it is plenty heated. This is tight as Steve Kopf on Blur from Augusta, Ga., Jim Gunderson on BIG SKY from Sarasota, Fla. and George Haynie on Firewater from Tampa, Fla. are in contention. This we will bring to you each day in our daily reports!
A couple of things to note about each of these competitors:
• Steve Kopf is the current reigning Southeast District Champion and recent was crowned 2008 Northeast District Champion at the 2008 North American Championship in Annapolis, Md. Onboard with Steve is Michael Miller, John Milligan and Chuck Coyer. This ace-banana, number-one-famous team has got to do well to win again.
• Unfortunately Jim Gunderson was not able to be with us as he has taken ill. Taking over the driver seat is Tommy Clough (no pressure Tommy!). At his side is Paul Alford, Karl Langefeld and Phil Spletter. This team is also one of 10 qualified Corinthian teams for this event.
• And last, but certainly not least is our ACC class coordinator George Haynie. On Thursday night George was awarded ‘Sailor of the Year’ at DIYC’s Annual Trophy Banquet. A very special thanks to George as he has been a pillar of strength for helping the class move this event to Tampa, replacing the Jacksonville event that was canceled due to weather damage. George’s team consists of his lovely wife Pat and Brad Sayre. He will be declaring the remaining members of his crew this morning during registration. Should his new crew allow, George will also look to be one of the toughest teams on the Corinthian roster to watch!
A scoring error which incorrectly listed Dave Ullman in race one has now been corrected. Ullman in fact was the winner of that race and leads the championship ahead of Blu Moon and Quantum Racing.
Blu Moon won a thrilling match race with Joe Fly after trading places throughout the race. Blu Moon took the lead on every upwind and Joe Fly took it back on each run of this five lapper.
The first P flag start was general recalled on a starboard biased line. Most of fleet bunched at the boat end leaving the pin like a ghost down. RC are back in sequence.
The Eastport Yacht Club is buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm as 48 Melges 24 teams converge next week to challenge for one of the International Melges 24’s most coveted titles — that of 2008 North American Champion. The event takes place Sunday, 26 October – 02 November and is set to be spectacular. Visit the official website of the event at http://www.annapolismelges24.com/.
Welcome to the brand spanking new International Melges 24 Class Association blog! Stay tuned as official 2008 North American Championship Press Officer Justin Chisholm will be bringing all the action to you as it happens. Every start, every mark rounding, every finish… Find it here first!