FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jake Fish
US SAILING Communications Manager
jakefish@ussailing.org
(401) 683-0800
SHOREACRES, Texas (May 25, 2010) – Pete Melvin (Huntington Beach, Calif.) and Nat Shaver (Long Beach, Calif. ) have increased their lead again over the field of 20 competing teams at US SAILING’s 2010 U.S. Multihull Championship (USMC), hosted by the Houston Yacht Club. Melvin and Shafer have a five point lead going into tomorrow’s final day of racing.
Both A and B Divisions have completed eight races, including two on Wednesday. Racing was postponed this morning due to lack of wind. When racing started, Melvin and Shafer picked up where they left off from Tuesday and Monday. They posted their fourth second place finish of the event in race seven, and have finished in the top three in six of eight races.
The team of Greg Thomas (Temecula, Calif.) and Jacques Bernier (San Marcos, Calif.) moved up two spots from fourth to second following their win in race seven and a third in race eight. The win was their first of the championship. The 2008 USMC Champion, Alex Shafer (Clermont, Fla.) and his teammate Nigel Pitt (Hartwell, Ga.) remain in third place, 10 points behind the leaders.
Other notables include two-time winners of the event and defending champions, John Casey (Longwood, Fla.) and John Williams (Long Beach, Calif.). Casey and Williams won their first race of the event in race eight. They are in seventh place. Olli Jason (Oldsmar, Fla.) and Patrick Gilles (Madison, Wisc.) had good day on the water. They posted fourth and second place finishes today.
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.