FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jake Fish
US SAILING Communications Manager
jakefish@ussailing.org
(401) 683-0800
SHOREACRES, Texas (May 24, 2010) – US SAILING’s 2010 National Championship season began this morning in ideal conditions on the waters of Galveston Bay for the U.S. Multihull Championship (USMC), hosted by the Houston Yacht Club. Day one is in the books with three races complete, and Pete Melvin (Huntington Beach, Calif.) and crew Nat Shaver have taken an early one point lead in the field of 20.
Consistency was the key for Melvin and Shaver. They posted a pair of second place finishes to start the day and closed with a third. The A Class Representatives lead last year’s runners-up, Mike Easton (Lexington, Ma.) and Tripp Burd (Marblehead, Ma.), who notched two bullets and a six in-between. The 2008 USMC Champion, Alex Shafer (Clermont, Fla.) and his crew Nigel Pitt, are in third place and three points back. Shafer tallied a 3-1-6 line today.
Two-time winners of the event and defending champions, John Casey (Longwood, Fla.) and John Williams (Long Beach, Calif.), stand in ninth place and 15 points behind the leaders. The team of Olli Jason (Oldsmar, Fla.) and Patrick Gilles won race two and finished the day in ninth. Fifteen year old Taylor Reiss and crew Matthew Whitehead had a strong showing. They are currently in fourth place, and four points behind the leaders. Racing resumes on Tuesday and runs through Thursday, May 27.
This event is sponsored by Rolex Watch U.S.A., Dry Creek Vineyard, and Hobie Polarized Sunglasses. The C2 F-18s are provided by our official suppliers at Australian High Performance Catamarans and Fun in the Sun Services.
For more information on the U.S. Multihull Championship, visit the event website at http://championships.ussailing.org/Adult/USMHChampionship.htm.
About US SAILING
The United States Sailing Association (US SAILING) is the national governing body for sailing. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the organization provides leadership for the sport of sailing in the United States. US SAILING offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Teams. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.
About Rolex Watch U.S.A.
Since Rolex Watch U.S.A. first presented timepieces to America's Cup defenders in 1958, the company has consistently recognized and encouraged excellence in every important arena of competitive sailing, including US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics preparation, US SAILING championships, disabled sailing, offshore, one-design and women's events. For more information, please visit http://www.rolex.com/.
About Dry Creek Vineyard
Founded in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard is located in the heart of Dry Creek Valley, just outside of the charming wine country town of Healdsburg. The winery is known for producing some of California’s finest Fumé Blancs and Zinfandels. In addition to these “flagships,” Dry Creek Vineyard is also known for excellent Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. In 1997, the family released a new vineyard designated Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate Endeavour vineyard. Then, beginning with the 2004 vintage, the family introduced a new proprietary blend called The Mariner. Each wine has redefined the concept of terroir as the winery continues shape their portfolio for future success. Dry Creek Vineyard owns over 200 acres of vineyard land, primarily in Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley. For more information on Dry Creek Vineyard please visit www.drycreekvineyard.com.
About Hobie Polarized
Hobie Polarized is a leading designer, developer, marketer and distributor of polarized eyewear. The brand’s innovative lens technology allows total glare reduction, 100% UV protection, enhances contrast and provides optimum visual acuity. The company’s products are sold worldwide and are used by watermen at all skill and lifestyle levels. The Hobie Polarized headquarter is located in Plainview, New York. For further information, please visit the company’s website at www.hobiepolarized.com.