THE 12 METRE GOLDEN YEAR OF RACING BEGINS

A yearlong calendar of racing and events will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the classic and elegant 12 Metre Class of boats in the America’s Cup Competition. This “Golden Year” will highlight the famous 12 Metres with regattas in Boston, MA (immediately following the Volvo layover), Newport, RI, Edgartown, MA, Nantucket, MA and New York City, NY. The centerpiece of the “Golden Year” will be the 2009 12 Metre World Competition in Newport on September 22-27. Special events open to the public will include competition viewing, a dockside party, a lecture series, book signings and film presentations. The 12 Metre Worlds Co-chairs are Gary Jobson, W. H. Dyer Jones, and Jan D. Slee, 12 Metre Class President.

In 1958, the elegant 12 Metre Class made its debut in the America’s Cup as the victorious Columbia (US16) defeated the British challenger, Sceptre (K17). In the 2009 Worlds, not only will Columbia again compete, but as many as 35 boats including 14 from Europe and Australia are anticipated. Fierce competition will capture memories of times past and attract sailing stars, fans and media from the world over. Not since the America’s Cup competitions have the waters and winds of Rhode Island Sound hosted such a collection of 12 Metres.

A full calendar of events can be found at www.Goldenyear2009.com.
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