Port of Seattle's Shilshole Bay Marina to Host National Regatta

Some of the top sailors in the U.S. are expected at the Port of Seattle's Shilshole Bay Marina May 18 - 22 for the 2005 J/24 Class National Championship regatta. The event is hosted by Corinthian Yacht Club and co-sponsored by the Port of Seattle and the Seattle Yacht Club.

The J/24, the nation's most popular one-design keelboat, traditionally has attracted the most skilled amateur and professional sailors, many who have gone on to compete in the Olympics, America's Cup Races, and other high-profile events.

"They always come back to the J/24, and we expect some of the top competitors here this spring," said Eric Sanderson, regatta co-chairman.

Among the favorites will be Tundra Rose, sailed by Keith Whittemore of Seattle. Keith won the Italian J/24 Nationals last year and has finished among the top boats in several J/24 World Championship regattas.

Also expected is former national J24 champion Chris Snow of San Diego, a longtime high-level competitor in the J/24 Class and in other one-design boats. About 5,300 J/24s are sailed worldwide. Seattle last hosted the National
Championship regatta in 1994. Seattleite and Olympic Gold Medalist Carl Buchan will be principal race officer for the regatta.

For more information, please visit the 2005 National Championship web site at
http://www.j24nationals.org/.