Acura Key West 2008 Sailboat Regatta
International fleet competes for world, More than 260 sailboats and sailing crews from around the world are to compete in the waters off Key West during Acura Key West 2008, one of the most prestigious sailing regattas on the international calendar.
The racing challenge is scheduled Jan. 21 to 25.
In its 21st year, Acura Key West 2008, presented by Nautica, is to feature national and international greats from the yachting world. Sailors are expected to hail from at least 20 countries and more than 30 American states.
“We’re pleased to be seeing a really great fleet come together,” event organizer Peter Craig said. “From custom IRC programs and established one-design classes to [Performance Handicap Racing Fleet National Championship] boats seeking the 2008 national championship, it’s going to be an exciting week.” According to regatta organizers, Acura Key West’s primary attractions for race teams include the high level of competition and the opportunity for January sailing in warm subtropical waters.
Competitors are to race on four courses set over a 10-mile stretch of the Atlantic Ocean just off Key West’s shore and inside North America’s only living coral barrier reef, which parallels the Florida Keys. The racing action is slated to begin at 10:30 a.m. daily.
Boats in the high-profile Farr 40 class will be warming up for their 2008 world championship, scheduled three months later in Miami.
World champion Vincenzo Onorato’s Mascalzone Latino is to head an international all-star list that includes 2001 world champion, 2007 Key West champion and America’s Cup winner Ernesto Bertarelli’s Alinghi. In addition, HRH Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark plans to return to Key West with his Nanoq, one of the 17 foreign entries.
Swan 42s are to make their Key West one-design class debut, with 12 of these beautiful and fast boats sure to be a spectacular sight. Makoto Uematsu debuted the Swan 42 last January, winning class honors against 10 other IRC boats.
The international handicap rule, IRC, again is to feature some intriguing new designs. Dan Meyers’ new IRC 68 Numbers and John Brim’s new 55-foot Rima 2 are to battle in IRC 1 along with a unique scratch boat - the swing keel Wally 80 Highland Fling, to be sailed by Irvine Laidlaw.
Slated to join the big boat class is Colm Barrington’s J/V 52 Flash Glove, replacing his IRC 2 winning Ker 50 Magic Glove, and five TP52s. These racing thoroughbreds are coming from the Great Lakes, both U.S. coasts, the United Kingdom and Russia.
Two new smaller designs are to race under the IRC rule: the J/122 Christopher Dragon and the Sllim 37 No Naked Flames from Belfast, Ireland.
In addition, the second Performance Handicap Racing Fleet National Championship is to take place as part of the regatta. In recent years, the PHRF has represented 25 percent to 30 percent of the boats competing in Key West.
The field also is to include weekend sailors eager to test their skills against the sport’s legendary competitors.
Key West’s Historic Seaport is to serve as headquarters for the racing boats and their crews. Sailing aficionados can mingle with crews at the docks before and after the races, and book seats on spectator boats at the site.
For more information and a race schedule, visit http://www.Premiere-Racing.com.
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