To Register for Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week   http://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=552

To Register at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
https://booking.ihotelier.com/istay/istay.jsp?HotelID=3635&rateplanid=710906

]]> http://www.charlestonraceweek.com/news-and-results/race-registration-discount-ends-january-31st/feed/ 0 http://www.charlestonraceweek.com/homepage-feature/sail-magazines-best-around-the-buoys-contest/ http://www.charlestonraceweek.com/homepage-feature/sail-magazines-best-around-the-buoys-contest/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:59:03 +0000 randy http://www.charlestonraceweek.com/?p=1624 Continue reading →]]> Best Around the Buoys–Charleston Race Week Highlights:

• • Winning team earns free entry to Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week, housing, dockage (airfare not included)
• • Use of Beneteau Oceanis 37 well-equipped by industry partners
• • New suit of North racing sails
• • Go-fast bottom paint job supplied by Pettit
• • Hardware provided by B&G
• • Team kit provided by Gill
• • Race prepped by OnDeck
• • Membership benefits from US Sailing

To enter, submit your 2011 Race Resume (include any PHRF boat and minimum of three (3) PHRF events) and 200 max-word essay describing why your team is ready to compete at Charleston Race Week (indicate that you have a team of minimum five (5) crew ready to go). Contest closes February 20th, 2012, winner announced in March.

To enter go to http://www.sailmagazine.com/bab-charleston-race-week-2012

1. Lauderdale- Key West- Jan 12-13- (optional)

2. Quantum Key West
Race Week- Jan 15-20

3. WORC Ft Lauderdale- Feb 18-19- President’s Day-

4. WORC Ft Lauderdale- Mar 16-18- St Patrick’s Day-

5. Charleston Race Week- Apr 19-22

So far, several J/111s, J/105s, J/120s and J/122s have expressed interest in a
winter circuit based out of easy-to-access deep-water facilities in Fort
Lauderdale- the Bahia Mar Marina and Hotel complex will be the base of
operations for the regattas.

Racing will be one-design (for fleets over 6 boats) and J/PHRF handicapping
based on a TCF (time-on-time) correction using the J/Boats PHRF table- a guideline
that can be reviewed here- http://www.jboats.com/sailboat-phrf-handicap.htm
Any questions? Contact Rod J, his contacts are on the J/PHRF page. An NOR will
be posted soon!

A complete, professional “concierge service” has been developed to
make it a “turn-key”, affordable proposition for J owners from
Chicago to Houston, Newport to Halifax and Annapolis to fully transport their
boats, launch/ haul and have their boats “ready-to-sail” at each
location- cleaned, polished, rigged, literally ready-to-race.

Fly down with the crew, hop aboard and off you go, “no worries”,
ready to go sailing! Daily awards will be given for each event as well as
overall and at the end of the J/Fest Winter Circuit, awards will be given for
best three of five results at the conclusion of Charleston Race Week.

For more information on the J/Fest Winter Circuit including “all-in
budgets and costs”, please contact J/Boats at Ph. +1-401-846-8410 or
email- info@jboats.com.
Or, call your local J/Dealer for more information.

You already know you are attending so here is your chance to stay on-site and save an additional 10% off Charleston Raceweek’s special group rates.  This on-site venue sells out every year here is your chance but you must book your reservation by December 31st. Just follow the link below.

https://booking.ihotelier.com/istay/istay.jsp?HotelID=3635&rateplanid=710906

CHARLESTON, SC (April 17, 2011) – An earlier start time for the final day of 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week saw frantic preparations across the Charleston Harbor Marina this morning. Many of the nearly 250 teams removed non-essential equipment, heaving away as they pulled piles of extra sails and gear off their boats to lighten their loads for the expected forecast of just 5-10 knots of wind. The offshore courses saw sufficient sailing breeze through most of the day, with the first race run under very light northerly conditions and the final race in a moderate Charleston sea breeze of 10 knots.

“We had the heavy stuff on Friday, and the light and shifty stuff today, and we loved the challenge of figuring out all the conditions, said Mark Thomas, a North Carolina native sailing on Diana Sea, Bernie Cignavitch’s Alerion 38 that squeaked out a one-point victory over Minnesota sailor Denny Manrique’s Centurion 40 Island Flyer in the PHRF heavy displacement class. “We may have lost by a point, but we had a great time and we’ll certainly be back,” said Manrique.

The biggest boats at the event had an exciting, three-way battle for their class championship, with Don Terwilliger’s Beneteau 47.7 Dauntless starting the day with a commanding lead due to three first-place finishes on Friday. “We needed to finish fifth in the last race today to secure first in class, but it turned out to be a tough nut to crack,” said tactician Brad Taylor. Terwilliger and his crew won Class A at this event last year, but Dauntless enjoys the stronger wind, and Taylor watched their lead disappear on the final race. “About 100 yards from the finish, the two J/130s were behind us, and when they jibed for the line, their hotter angle pushed them over the line ahead of us.” That final move cost Dauntless the win in this class to Patrick Eudy’s Lutra 42 Big Booty. “If we have to lose to a boat, we don’t mind losing to those guys – they’re good guys, great sailors, and we’re all friends,” Taylor said.

Inshore, conditions were more fickle and no races were completed on the J/24 and J/22 race course, with only one completed on the Viper 640, J/80, and Ultimate 20 course. The big fleet of Melges sailboats on Course 2 saw their first race abandoned, and though it looked like there’d be no racing for these sporty boats as they lolled on the calm waters for two hours, Charleston’s sea breeze saved the day, appearing out of nowhere just minutes before the race deadline of 2:00 p.m.

Among the 47-strong Melges 24 Class, Tiburon, CA skipper Kristen Lane set something of a milestone in the biggest fleet of the regatta. Lane is the first female skipper to win a major, big fleet event in this class for as long as anyone can remember. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence over the past couple of years in this fleet,” said Lane. “My crew is always amazing, and together we really work hard to race fast while having a good time. I think that’s the key to our success.” Lane professed that Charleston is her “favorite regatta,” adding “you just can’t beat this venue.”

Former North American and National J/24 Champion Mike Ingham was disappointed that his class didn’t see enough wind for a final race today, though he was happy to take the victory in the most competitive J/24 fleet that Charleston has seen in several years. “We last sailed here for our National Championship about six years ago, and it’s just as great as I remembered,” said Mike. “On Friday, we got four solid races in, and just kept our noses clean and tried to sail smart. It worked.”

In the Melges 20 Class, Roland Van Der Meer of Menlo Park, CA, took a different tack than most to get to Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week. “These guys are good friends,” he said indicating his crew – Phillip Barow and Peter Koar of Barnegat Bay, NJ., and I really enjoy sailing with them. We talked this winter and decided to do something awesome this spring on the water,” he said. “We saw all the videos and asked around, and decided to charter a Melges 20 for Charleston.” Van Der Meer is normally a J/105 and Shields sailor back home, while Barow and Koar sail E-Scows. “I’d come back to this event in a heart beat, said Van Der Meer. “There’s really no other place in the U.S. quite like Charleston and few events like this.”

For video highlights from practice and the first day of racing in HD, please go to Charleston Race Week’s YouTube Channel. Final results are available here.

SAVE THE DATE – 2012 CHARLESTON RACE WEEK DATES SET

Organizers didn’t waste any time setting the dates for 2012 Charleston Race Week, and the ideal tidal conditions – those that give a push to the offshore sailors as they head out and return from racing – will occur between April 19th and 22nd, 2012. As popular as Charleston Race Week has become, organizers encourage all teams to register early to avoid entry caps or late fees, and to keep an eye on the event website, Twitter feed, or Facebook page for more information.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE GREAT CONTENT FROM 2011 SPERRY TOP-SIDER CHARLESTON RACE WEEK

The South Carolina Maritime Foundation’s media team will release the official HD highlight clip from the final day of racing on its YouTube channel on Monday, and staff will continue to highlight some of the great coverage of 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week as it appears in the local, national, and international media. Race Week organizers encourage all fans of sailboat racing to stay up to date via any of the event’s social media channels or website.

CHARLESTON CUP AND PERPETUAL CUP TROPHIES

The Palmetto Cup, which is awarded each year to the best boat competing in the PHRF (handicap rating) classes, went to Steve Thurston and his crew from Bristol, Rhode Island. They raced aboard Mighty Puffin, a J/29. The Charleston Race Week Trophy, which is awarded annually to the skipper who wins in the most competitive one-design class was presented to Brad Boston and his Viper 640 crew from Point Edward, Ontario, Canada. Both skippers and their crew won a slew of prizes, including gift certificates for Sperry Top-Sider shoes for all of their crew.

TOP 3 RESULTS BY CLASS

J/24 (One Design – 25 Boats)

1. USA 5448, J 24 24, Mike Ingham , Rochester, NY, USA – 1, 3, 1, 2, ; 7

2. Street Legal, J 24 24, Chris Jankowski , Richmond, VA, USA – 3, 2, 2, 3, ; 10

3. Vanishing Act, J 24 24, John Surguy , Marlboro, NJ, USA – 4, 4, 3, 1, ; 12

J/22 (One Design – 16 Boats)

1. Solid Layer, J 22 22 , Chris Doyle , Kenmore, NY, USA – 1, 2, 1, 1, ; 5

2. USA 1586, J 22 22, Greg Fisher , Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA – 2, 1, 3, 3, ; 9

3. Leading Edge, J 22 22, Todd Hiller , Annapolis, MD, USA – 3, 3, 2, 6, ; 14

Vipers 640 (One Design – 25 Boats)

1. Jackpot, Viper 640 21, Brad Boston / Lee Shuckerow , Point Edward, Ont, CAN – 4, 3, 2, 3, 4, ; 16

2. 3 Grins, Viper 640 21, Dave Nickerson / MoiseSolomon ,Noank, CT, USA – 2, 2, 6, 1, 9, ; 20

3. Black Mamba, Viper 640 21, David Guggenheim , Savannah, GA, USA – 1, 4, 4, 9, 3, ; 21

J/80 (One Design – 26 Boats)

1. USA 352, J 80 26, Kerry Klingler , Larchmont, NY, USA – 5, 2, 2, 3, 3, ; 15

2. Rascal, J 80 26, Henry Brauer / Will Welles , Marblehead, MA, USA – 3, 3, 1, 2, 9/TLE, ; 18

3.Tiamo, J 80 26, Bruno Pasquinelli , Dallas, TX, USA – 1, 1, 4, 6, 9/TLE, ; 21

Ultimate 20 (One Design – 12 Boats)

1. Slippery, Ultimate 20 20, Jim Pearson , Wheatley, Ont, CAN – 1, 1, 2, 1, 4, ; 9

2.Rumbullion, Ultimate 20 20, BJ Jones , Cornelius, NC, USA – 3, 2, 9, 4, 1, ; 19

3. Zulu, Ultimate 20 20, Peter Marriott / Bob McGrath , Charlotte, NC, USA – 2, 7, 3, 2, 5, ; 19

Melges 24 (One Design – 47 Boats)

1. Brick House 812, Melges 24 24, Kristen Lane , Tiburon, CA, USA – 2, 4, 3, 2, 4, ; 15

2. New England Ropes/West Marine Rigging, Melges 24 24, Bora Gulari , Detroit, MI, USA – 1, 2, 10, 1, 13, ; 27

3. WTF, Melges 24 24, Alan Field , Los Angeles, CA, USA – 6, 1, 7, 16, 1, ; 31

Melges 20 (One Design – 23 Boats)

1.Bacio, Audi Melges 20 20, Michael Kiss , Holland, MI, USA – 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, ; 11

2. Elevation Racing, Audi Melges 20 20, Anthony Tabb , Chicago, IL, USA – 2, 6, 2, 2, 7, ; 19

3. Red Sky, Audi Melges 20 20, Paul Reilly , Chicago, IL, USA – 1, 2, 6, 4, 8, ; 21

PHRF A (PHRF – 8 Boats)

1. Big Booty, Lutra 42 42, Patrick Eudy , Charleston, SC, USA – 3, 4, 2, 1, 1, ; 11

2. Dauntless, Beneteau First 47.7 48, Don Terwilliger , Charleston, SC, USA – 1, 1, 1, 3, 6, ; 12

3. Wicked, J 124 40.7, Douglas Curtiss , Branford, CT, USA – 2, 3, 4, 2, 2, ; 13

PHRF B (PHRF – 7 Boats)

1. Gambler, J 122 40, Doug Shafffer , Kemah, TX, USA – 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, ; 6

2. Velocity, J 111 36, Wayne Jackson , Columbia, MD, USA – 3, 4, 4, 2, 2, ; 15

3. Teamwork, J 122 40, Robin Team , Lexington, NC, USA – 4, 2, 1, 7, 3, ; 17

PHRF C (PHRF – 14 Boats)

1. Rock Star, C&C 115 37, Tim Tucker , Alachua, FL, USA – 3, 2, 1, 8, 2, ; 16

2. Tangent, Cape Fear 38 38, Gerald Taylor , Annapolis, MD, USA – 1, 3, 3, 5, 4, ; 16

3.L’outrage, Beneteau 34 34’5, Bruce Gardner , Annapolis, MD, USA – 2, 1, 2, 4, 8, ; 17

PHRF E HDC1 (PHRF – 8 Boats)

1. Diana Sea, Alerion 38-2 38, Bernie Cignavitch , Charleston, SC, USA – 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, ; 7

2. Island Flyer, Wauquiez Centurion 40s 40, Denny Manrique , Tonka Bay, MN, USA – 2, 2, 1, 2, 1, ; 8

3. Old School, S2 9.1 30, Paul Jacques ,Charelston, SC, USA – 3, 3, 3, 8, 5, ; 22

Tartan 10 (One Design – 6 Boats)

1. Demon Rum, T-10 33, Mike / Beth Eckstein , Royal Oak, MI, USA – 2, 1, 2, 4, 1, ; 10

2. Wild Norwegian, T-10 33, ArvidEiesland , Glenview, IL, USA – 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, ; 12

3. Silver Surfer, T-10 33, Simon Beemsterboer , Mokena, IL, USA – 3, 5, 1, 1, 4, ; 14

PHRF S Sport Boat (PHRF – 6 Boats)

1.Rhumb Punch, Farr 30 30, John and Linda Edwards , California, MD, USA – 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, ; 5

2. Wave Bye, Melges 30 31.10, Michael MaCleod , Flowery Branch, GA, USA – 3, 3, 3, 5, 2, ; 16

3.Wairere, Thompson 30 31.25′, Pete Hunter , Kill Devil Hills, NC, USA – 2, 2, 7/DNS, 2, 5, ; 18

PHRF D (PHRF – 10 Boats)

1. Mighty Puffin, J 29 MH OB 29, Steve Thurston , Bristol, RI, USA – 2, 1, 5, 4, 1, ; 13

2. A Parent Tripp, Tripp 26 26, Brett Harrison / John Yeigh , Annapolis, MD, USA – 1, 3, 4, 3, 3, ; 14

3.Amigos , J 92 30 , David Pritchard , Buford, GA, USA – 7, 4, 3, 1, 2, ; 17

PHRF F HDC2 (PHRF – 8 Boats)

1.Susimi, Sweeden 370 36.5, Michael Carrington , Lighthouse Point, FL, USA – 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, ; 5

2. Passion, Catalina 34 34, Brett Grover ,Jesup, GA, USA – 2, 2, 3, 2, 3, ; 12

3. Mistress, S2 7.9 IB 26, Bryan coon , Hicksville, NY, USA – 4, 3, 4, 3, 2, ; 16

PHRF G Non-Spinnaker (PHRF – 9 Boats)

1. Bliss, Alerion 38-2 38, Randolph Brooks , Cincinnati, OH, USA – 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, ; 5

2.Makani, Catalina 34 WK 34, Keith Gannett , Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA – 2, 2, 3, 2, 4, ; 13

3. Suwannee, Stevens 50 50, Donald Michael , Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA – 4, 5, 2, 3, 2, ; 16

ABOUT CHARLESTON RACE WEEK
2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is an event of South Carolina Maritime Foundation and Charleston Ocean Racing Association. All profits from the event support educational programs aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, a traditional tall ship serving South Carolina’s youth. 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is sponsored by Sperry Top-Sider, Gosling’s Rum, Vineyard Vines, Gill & Coral Reef Sailing Apparel, North Sails, Newport Shipyard, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, Daniel Island Real Estate, Town of Mt. Pleasant, Rebootizer, West Marine, OnDeck, Azalea Moving & Storage, Charleston Yachting, Pierside Boatworks, RS-100, Marlow, Lewmar, Selden, Photoboat.com and Rising High Café.

ABOUT SPERRY TOP-SIDER
Since 1935, Sperry Top-Sider has been the leading brand of footwear for those with a Passion for the Sea. From its introduction of the World’s first siped rubber outsole for non-marking traction to advanced technical fabrication to combat the elements, Sperry Top-Sider remains at the vanguard of high-performance amphibious footwear. Available around the globe in independent, marine, outdoor and department stores, Sperry Top-Sider is the official footwear of the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regattas, US SAILING, the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics, and the National Safe Boating Council.

Based in historic Lexington, Massachusetts, Sperry Top-Sider supports a wide range of ocean-related activities through its many sponsorships, including Key West Race Week, the New York Yacht Club’s Invitational Cup, the Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week and the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regattas. Sperry Top-Sider was also recently recognized for its recent brand transformation by industry trade magazine Footwear News by being named 2009 “Brand of the Year.” Sperry Top-Sider is a division of the Collective Brands Performance and Lifestyle Group, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS). For more information, please visit www.sperrytopsider.com or www.passionforthesea.com, or email beverly.antunes@sperrytopsider.com.

Check out the event site at http://www.charlestonraceweek.com for more information, including Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, Entry List, Media Information, Logistical Support, Available Charters, News, Video and Photos, and become a fan of the Charleston Race Week Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/CharlestonRaceWeek

# # #

If you’d like more information about 2011 Charleston Race Week, or to schedule an interview with one of the event staff, please call the South Carolina Maritime Foundation at 843/722.1030, or send an e-mail to dhavens@scmaritime.org.

CHARLESTON, SC (April 16, 2011) -While every sailor’s first concern is having enough wind for exciting racing, today Mother Nature served up a helping of southerly breeze that for the majority of sailors was too hefty to handle. Certainly, the race committee saw it that way and canceled competition for all of the sailors in this 270-boat fleet.

“With forecasts of winds into the 30s by early afternoon, we made the tough decision to abandon racing this morning at 8:30 a.m.,” said Randy Draftz, Race Director for 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week.  While a few hardcore sailors grumbled at the loss of a day’s racing, the vast majority appreciated the race committee’s prudence. “Most of the teams here don’t get to race in this much wind with these strong currents, and trying to get around the course on a day like today could really ruin the week for a lot of sailors,” said San Francisco Olympic 49er hopeful Jonny Goldsberry, whose Brick House team leads the Melges 24 Class.  “We love these conditions, but most of our team sails hundreds of days a year in this stuff, and we’re totally comfortable in these winds.  But we’re probably not representative of the majority.”  Draftz, a long time racer himself, said that he “knows how important it is to get races in after traveling a long way, but not at the expense of the safety of all of our friends out there.”

Goldsberry and a few other crews showed just what professional sailors can do in near-gale conditions., His team, along with six other Melges 24 sportboats (including the top three competitors in that class at the regatta), headed out around 11:00 for some makeshift racing. Fortunately for them, these are the kind of winds that are routine in Corpus Christi, TX, the location for next months Melges 24 World Championship. Following the Melges in the blustery conditions, an 8-boat cadre of photography, coach, and media boats had difficulty keeping up with the sailboats as they raced downwind from Fort Sumter to Mt. Pleasant. The boats’ hulls crashed through the waves and left roostertails rising up out of the water as they flirted with speeds up to 21 knots of speed.  “I haven’t seen anything this exciting in ages,” said renowned sailing photographer Billy Black.  “What a great way to spend a morning.”

Tomorrow’s forecast calls for a much more manageable 5 to 10 knots of northerly wind. That’s something that competitor Keith Magnussen of San Diego said he’ll be happy to see.  “The heavier boats had a real upwind advantage on us yesterday, but our boat, Rented Mule (a Viper 830), just flies in the light air.”

Most of the teams were quick to re-plan their days after the racing was cancelled.  “I think a few dozen Detroit-based sailors were headed to a nearby sports bar to watch the Redwings NHL game,” said Thac Nguyen, of Grosse Pointe, Michigan.  Others were off to enjoy go cart racing at a nearby amusement park, go shopping on Charleston’s famed King Street, or try their hand at bowling.  “There’s certainly no lack of things to do on a Saturday in Charleston,” said another Detroiter, Karl Kuspa.

The mood around the regatta headquarters at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina remained light and positive, especially among the two dozen sailors who braved the conditions for some white-knuckle practice rides.  Multiple J/24 World Champion Anthony Kotoun of Newport, RI was one of them, and the Virgin Islands native who has sailed the past four Charleston Race Weeks, shared his thoughts on Charleston Race Week:  “I just love this regatta,” he said. When pressed on why, he mentioned the parallels with Caribbean regattas. “I just came back from sailing in St. Thomas at the Rolex Regatta, the BVI at the Spring Regatta and St. Maarten for the Heineken event, and Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is the only event in the country that’s got a flavor like those.”  Kotoun cited “great breezes, beautiful surroundings, and the regatta village here on the beach that’s really something you don’t see anywhere but the Caribbean.”

Koutoun also praised the variety of conditions that Charleston Harbor presents due to the changing tides and the harbor’s singular geography. “Yesterday, we had an ebb in the morning and all the guys in our fleet had to figure out that left was the way to go, but in the afternoon, we all needed to change our strategy and sail as close to the beach as we could. That just keeps it interesting from a tactical perspective.”

Racing will resume tomorrow, with inshore racing moved up to a 10:30 a.m. start to guarantee the maximum number of races run on the final day of 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week. Those sailors racing offshore will begin sailing at 10:00 a.m. as before.

For video highlights from practice and the first day of racing in HD, please go to Charleston Race Week’s YouTube Channel.  Results after two days of racing are available here.

ABOUT CHARLESTON RACE WEEK
2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is an event of South Carolina Maritime Foundation and Charleston Ocean Racing Association. All profits from the event support educational programs aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, a traditional tall ship serving South Carolina’s youth.  2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is sponsored by Sperry Top-Sider, Gosling’s Rum, Vineyard Vines, Gill & Coral Reef Sailing Apparel, North Sails, Newport Shipyard, Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, Daniel Island Real Estate, Town of Mt. Pleasant, Rebootizer, West Marine, OnDeck, Azalea Moving & Storage, Charleston Yachting, Pierside Boatworks, RS-100, Marlow, Lewmar, Selden, Photoboat.com and Rising High Café.      

ABOUT SPERRY TOP-SIDER
Since 1935, Sperry Top-Sider has been the leading brand of footwear for those with a Passion for the Sea. From its introduction of the World’s first siped rubber outsole for non-marking traction to advanced technical fabrication to combat the elements, Sperry Top-Sider remains at the vanguard of high-performance amphibious footwear.  Available around the globe in independent, marine, outdoor and department stores, Sperry Top-Sider is the official footwear of the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regattas, US SAILING, the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics, and the National Safe Boating Council.

Based in historic Lexington, Massachusetts, Sperry Top-Sider supports a wide range of ocean-related activities through its many sponsorships, including Key West Race Week, the New York Yacht Club’s Invitational Cup, the Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week and the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regattas.  Sperry Top-Sider was also recently recognized for its recent brand transformation by industry trade magazine Footwear News by being named 2009 “Brand of the Year.”   Sperry Top-Sider is a division of the Collective Brands Performance and Lifestyle Group, a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS). For more information, please visit www.sperrytopsider.com or www.passionforthesea.com, or email beverly.antunes@sperrytopsider.com.

ABOUT NORTH SAILS
North Sails is the exclusive sailmaker partner to 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week and their commitment to the CRW fleet even includes a dockside drop-off for overnight sail repair right at Race Week headquarters.  North Sails is also pleased to help all competitors sail faster and smoother by providing detailed daily weather forecasts to all teams that register at the North Sails Event Weather Center.  Register today at http://www.na.northsails.com/tabid/7240/Default.aspx.  Reports are made available via e-mail by 0730 daily.

Check out the event site at http://www.charlestonraceweek.com for more information, including Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, Entry List, Media Information, Logistical Support, Available Charters, News, Video and Photos, and become a fan of the Charleston Race Week Facebook page here:  http://www.facebook.com/CharlestonRaceWeek

# # #

If you’d like more information about 2011 Charleston Race Week, or to schedule an interview with one of the event staff, please call the South Carolina Maritime Foundation at 843/722.1030, or send an e-mail to dhavens@scmaritime.org.

CHARLESTON, SC (April 15, 2011) – While the rest of America was fretting about filing deadlines, Charleston Harbor gave sailors at 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week a tax day gift – nearly perfect weather for sailboat racing.  “I don’t think I’ve ever had a day with such perfect sailing weather,” said Minnesota racer Sean Hendrickson, who sailed offshore aboard Denny Manrique’s 40-foot Island Flyer. “We had tight racing with 15-18 knots out of the East – perfect wind, perfect waves, and warm sunshine all day.”  From Lake Minnetonka, Manrique sits in 2^nd place in the “Heavy Displacement” class, one point behind Diana Sea, an Alerion 38 owned by local Bernie Cignavitch.

The brand new 36-foot J/111Velocity finished the day in fourth in a very competitive PHRF B Class.  “This was the boat’s first day of racing ever, and we’re having a good time figuring her out,” explained trimmer Dave Malkin of Annapolis. “We’re definitely looking forward to even more breeze tomorrow.”  Kemah, TX J/122 owner Doug Shaffer leads the class with just four points in five races aboard Gambler.

In the Melges 24 Class – the largest group at this event with 47 boats – 2009 International Moth World Champion Bora Gulari started the day off with a strong lead, reminiscent of his performance as last year’s event in Charleston where he won in this always large and hyper-competitive class.  But something went wrong after scoring a 1,2 in the first two races.  “The current had really started moving in the third race,” explained Gulari, “and we got shut out trying to get to the top mark, losing a big part of the fleet.” According to the Detroit native, “That’s just Charleston, and we love these exciting short-course, big-fleet races.”  Gulari ended that race in 10^th and came back to win the 4^th race, though Tiburon-California-based Kristin Lane’s consistency was too much for Gulari, and she leads both Gulari and Chicago skipper Brian Porter by five points.

Lane’s racing team is a family affair, as her Brick House team also includes husband Peter at the helm of an identical Melges 24.  “Kristin really enjoys these conditions, but it’s probably my favorite regatta, too,” said Peter enthusiastically after returning to the dock today.  “These shorter courses with tides and sandbars and land features are just so much more interesting than ‘classic’ longer courses – we should race this length course for Worlds.”

Forecasts call for even more wind tomorrow – up to 25 knots of colder Northwesterly breeze, with showers and possible thunderstorms later in the day.  If Friday’s conditions provided a chance for racers to knock the rust off, Saturday will undoubtedly separate the top teams from those who could use a bit more practice.

Racers will battle for up to four more races tomorrow on three inshore and two offshore courses, and racing concludes Sunday, when trophies for the overall champion of Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week – the historic Palmetto Cup and Charleston Cup – will be presented. Full results can be found here, the full scratch sheets are here, and you can check out photos, videos and more at www.charlestonraceweek.com.

J/24 (One Design – 25 Boats)

1. USA 5448, J 24 24, Mike Ingham , Rochester, NY, USA – 1, 3, 1, 2, ; 7

2. Street Legal, J 24 24, Chris Jankowski , Richmond, VA, USA – 3, 2, 2, 3, ; 10

3. Murder Incorporated/Team Layline, J/24 24, Chip Till, Wrightsville Beach, NC, USA – 2, 1, 4, 4, ; 11

J/22 (One Design – 16 Boats)

1. Solid Layer, J 22 22 , Chris Doyle , Kenmore, NY, USA – 1, 2, 1, 1, ; 5

2. USA 1586, J 22 22, Greg Fisher , Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA – 2, 1, 3, 3, ; 9

3. Leading Edge, J 22 22, Todd Hiller , Annapolis, MD, USA – 3, 3, 2, 6, ; 14

Vipers 640 (One Design – 25 Boats)

1. 3 Grins, Viper 640 21, Dave Nickerson / MoiseSolomon ,Noank, CT, USA – 2, 2, 6, 1, ; 11

2. Jackpot, Viper 640 21, Brad Boston / Lee Shuckerow , Point Edward, Ont, CAN – 4, 3, 2, 3, ; 12

3. Black Mamba, Viper 640 21, David Guggenheim , Savannah, GA, USA – 1, 4, 4, 9, ; 18

J/80 (One Design – 26 Boats)

1. Rascal, J 80 26, Henry Brauer / Will Welles , Marblehead, MA, USA – 3, 3, 1, 2, ; 9

2. Tiamo, J 80 26, Bruno Pasquinelli, Dallas, TX, USA – 1, 1, 4, 6, ; 12

3. USA 352, J 80 26, Kerry Klingler, Larchmont, NY, USA – 5, 2, 2, 3, ; 12

Ultimate 20 (One Design – 12 Boats)

1. Slippery, Ultimate 20 20, Jim Pearson , Wheatley, Ont, CAN – 1, 1, 2, 1, ; 5

2. Zulu, Ultimate 20 20, Peter Marriott / Bob McGrath , Charlotte, NC, USA – 2, 7, 3, 2, ; 14

3. Rumbullion, Ultimate 20 20, BJ Jones , Cornelius, NC, USA – 3, 2, 9, 4, ; 18

Melges 24 (One Design – 47 Boats)

1. Brick House 812, Melges 24 24, Kristen Lane , Tiburon, CA, USA – 2, 4, 3, 1, ; 10

2. New England Ropes / West Marine Rigging, Bora Gulari , Detroit, MI, USA – 1, 2, 10, 2, ; 15

3. Full Throttle, Brian Porter , Winnetka, IL, USA – 3, 6, 2, 4, ; 15

Melges 20 (One Design – 23 Boats)

1.Bacio, Audi Melges 20  Michael Kiss , Holland, MI, USA – 3, 1, 3, 1, ; 8

2. Elevation Racing, Audi Melges 20, Anthony Tabb , Chicago, IL, USA – 2, 6, 2, 2, ; 12

3. Red Sky, Audi Melges 20, Paul Reilly, Chicago, IL, USA – 1, 2, 6, 4, ; 13

PHRF A (PHRF – 8 Boats)

1. Dauntless, Beneteau First 47.7 48, Don Terwilliger , Charleston, SC, USA – 1, 1, 1, ; 3

2. Big Booty, Lutra 42 42, Patrick Eudy, Charleston, SC, USA – 3, 4, 2, ; 9

3. Galilée, Beneteau First 44.7 48 Jean-Pierre Turgeon, St-Bernard-de-Lacolle, QUE, CA – 4, 2, 3, ; 9

PHRF B (PHRF – 7 Boats)

1. Gambler, J/122 40, Doug Shafffer , Kemah, TX, USA – 1, 1, 2, ; 4

2. Teamwork, J/122 40, Robin Team , Lexington, NC, USA – 4, 2, 1, ; 7

3. Jubilee, A40RC 40, Cal & Libussa Huge , Summerville, SC, USA – 2, 3, 3, ; 8

PHRF C (PHRF – 14 Boats)

1. L’outrage, Beneteau 34 34’5, Bruce Gardner , Annapolis, MD, USA – 2, 1, 2, ; 5

2. Rock Star, C&C 115 37, Tim Tucker, Alachua, FL, USA – 3, 2, 1, ; 6

3. Tangent, Cape Fear 38 38, Gerald Taylor, Annapolis, MD, USA – 1, 3, 3, ; 7

PHRF E HDC1 (PHRF – 8 Boats)

1. Diana Sea, Alerion 38-2 38, Bernie Cignavitch , Charleston, SC, USA – 1, 1, 2, ; 4

2. Island Flyer, Wauquiez Centurion 40s 40, Denny Manrique , Tonka Bay, MN, USA – 2, 2, 1, ; 5

3. Old School, S2 9.1 30, Paul Jacques ,Charelston, SC, USA – 3, 3, 3, ; 9

Tartan 10 (One Design – 6 Boats)

1. Demon Rum, T-10 33, Mike / Beth Eckstein, Royal Oak, MI, USA – 2, 1, 2, ; 5

2. Wild Norwegian, T-10 33, ArvidEiesland, Glenview, IL, USA – 1, 2, 3, ; 6

3. Silver Surfer, T-10 33, Simon Beemsterboer, Mokena, IL, USA – 3, 5, 1, ; 9

PHRF S Sport Boat (PHRF – 6 Boats)

1. Rhumb Punch, Farr 30 30, John and Linda Edwards, California, MD, USA – 1, 3, 1, ; 5

2. Rented Mule, Viper 830 28′, Bryan Taylor , Allen, TX, USA – 7/DNF, 1, 2, ; 10

3. Different Drummer, Azzurs 310 31, John Gaag, N. Charleston, SC, USA – 5, 2, 4, ; 11

PHRF D (PHRF – 10 Boats)

1. For Sail, J/29 MH OB 29, Jim Mackevich , Edison, NJ, USA – 4, 2, 1, ; 7

2. Mighty Puffin, J/29 MH OB 29, Steve Thurston , Bristol, RI, USA – 2, 1, 5, ; 8

3. A Parent Tripp, Tripp 26 26, Brett Harrison / John Yeigh , Annapolis, MD, USA – 1, 3, 4, ; 8

PHRF F HDC2 (PHRF – 8 Boats)

1. Susimi, Sweeden 370 36.5, Michael Carrington , Lighthouse Point, FL, USA – 1, 1, 1, ; 3

2. Passion, Catalina 34 34, Brett Grover ,Jesup, GA, USA – 2, 2, 3, ; 7

3.Tohidu, Benneteau 423 42’3, Dale Cook ,Hanahan, SC, USA – 3, 4, 2, ; 9

PHRF G Non-Spinnaker (PHRF – 9 Boats)

1. Bliss, Alerion 38-2 38, Randolph Brooks, Cincinnati, OH, USA – 1, 1, 1, ; 3

2. Makani, Catalina 34 WK 34, Keith Gannett, Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA – 2, 2, 3, ; 7

3. Cheerio, Morgan 38-2 38.2, Charles Dickinson, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA – 3, 3, 4, ; 10

ABOUT SPERRY TOP-SIDER CHARLESTON RACE WEEK

2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation and the Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA). All profits from the event support educational programs aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, a classic tall ship serving South Carolina’s youth. 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is sponsored by Sperry Top-Sider, North Sails, Vineyard Vines, Gill, OnDeck, Gosling’s Rum, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, West Marine, Newport Shipyard, Azalea Moving & Storage, Coachboat Management LLC, Charleston Yachting, PiersideBoatworks, Tidal Marine Electronics LTD, Photoboat, Classic Charleston Sailing, Rising High Café, and the Town of Mt. Pleasant.

Check out the event site at http://www.charlestonraceweek.comfor more information, including Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, Entry List, Media Information, Logistical Support, Available Charters, News, Video and Photos, and become a fan of the Charleston Race Week Facebook page here:  http://www.facebook.com/CharlestonRaceWeek

If you’d like more information about 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week, or to schedule an interview with one of the event staff, please call the South Carolina Maritime Foundation at 843/722.1030, or send an e-mail to dhavens@scmaritime.org.

CHARLESTON, SC (April 14, 2011) – Springtime in Charleston is one of the more perfect seasons, and nature smiles especially fondly on Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week every year. Since 2005, the celebrated event has only experienced a single day lost to poor conditions – it’s one of the best records of good sailing conditions of any event in North America. “It may seem like we’ve done a deal with the devil sometimes with the kind of perfect weather we get every year for this event,” said professional sailor and resident Michael Miller, “but we’re just grateful we get to live here all the time.”

Over 2,000 sailors gathered at 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week’s headquarters this afternoon at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina for the skipper’s meeting and Mr. Miller’s Tides & Currents seminar, their decidedly upbeat moods betraying their excitement to begin one of the most exciting sailboat racing events in America tomorrow morning. Their smiles were also due to the official North Sails/Sailing Weather Service forecast for the coming three days, promising strong breeze and a mix of conditions guaranteed to get the blood flowing and provide challenging racing for all of the 16 classes.

The forecast calls for “likely the best conditions of the race week,” tomorrow.  East-southeast winds are expected to build gradually from the high single digits to the mid-teens and the skies will remain clear. Saturday will see tougher conditions with stormy weather and winds in the low 20s – the breeze that tests sailors and gear. It will be a wet day with showers and the moderate threat of strong thunderstorms. Finally, Sunday should start breezy and end sunny and warm, with plenty of wind for sailing, but without the high drama of Saturday’s stiff breeze.

Race Officials Prepare For Crowded Harbor

“I remember six years ago when we reached 70 boats on the inshore course,” said Race Director Randy Draftz in his official skipper’s briefing this afternoon.  “Now we’re almost at 200 and it’s become known as some of the most fun racing anywhere.”  Draftz emphasized the importance of co-existing with the commercial traffic on the harbor.  “If a ship blows five horns at you, the race committee will disqualify you,” Draftz explained to the skippers in a serious tone.  “You may know you’ll cross ahead of them, but they might not even be able to see you when you are in front of their bow,” he continued. Seconds later, an outgoing cargo ship emphasized his point as the ship’s captain directed five blasts at a crossing sportfisherman near Castle Pinckney, as the crowd looked on with amusement.

Friendly Spirit Continues Despite Huge Crowds

Known for years as “The World’s Friendliest Regatta,” some long-time competitors weren’t sure what to expect after missing a few years of Charleston Racing.  “The last time we were here there were around 160 boats, so we weren’t sure if being nearly double the size would make the event lose that amazing Charleston hospitality,” said Detroit racer Paul Hulsey, who is competing in the Melges 24 Class.  “We didn’t need to worry though – we feel as welcome as ever, and now we get to race against almost 50 boats in our class.”

Charleston resident Greg Fisher said for him, it’s all about the community. The multiple world champion and former sail designer recently left the sailmaking industry to accept the position as Director of Sailing for the College Of Charleston. “The amazing thing about Charleston sailors is how they come together as a community for important events,” Fisher said.  “Hundreds of passionate sailors and their families get together to support Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week, Charleston Community Sailing and the College, and it really feels like you’re part of a big family when you’re with them.”

Full Days Of Racing Ahead

Sixteen different classes of boats will race up to 12 races over the next three days on five different race courses, three for inshore one-design sailboats and two for larger, offshore handicap racing yachts. Each race may last between 40 minutes and two hours, and winners will receive trophies, valuable prizes, and bragging rights.  Classes at the event include boats up to 54 feet long, and the largest class is the Melges 24, which has 47 entries.

ABOUT SPERRY TOP-SIDER CHARLESTON RACE WEEK

2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is an event of the South Carolina Maritime Foundation and the Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA). All profits from the event support educational programs aboard the Spirit of South Carolina, a classic tall ship serving South Carolina’s youth. 2011 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week is sponsored by North Sails, Vineyard Vines, Gill, OnDeck, Gosling’s Rum, Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, West Marine, Newport Shipyard, Azalea Moving & Storage, Coachboat Management LLC, Charleston Yachting, Pierside Boatworks, Tidal Marine Electronics LTD, Photoboat, Classic Charleston Sailing, Rising High Café, and the Town of Mt. Pleasant.

Check out the event site at http://www.charlestonraceweek.comfor more information, including Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, Entry List, Media Information, Logistical Support, Available Charters, News, Video and Photos, and become a fan of the Charleston Race Week Facebook page here:  http://www.facebook.com/CharlestonRaceWeek

If you’d like more information about 2011 Charleston Race Week, or to schedule an interview with one of the event staff, please call the South Carolina Maritime Foundation at 843/722.1030, or send an e-mail to dhavens@scmaritime.org.