FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Frieda
Wildey
Farr International
+1-410-268-1001
ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 6, 2002) – The challenging waters of the Chesapeake Bay will once again be filled with the colorful sails of boats from around the world as the Champagne Mumm 2002 Mumm 30 One Design World Championship comes to the beautiful and historic city of Annapolis.
To date, 34 international teams have registered their boats, designed by Farr Yacht Design of Annapolis, to compete in four days of high performance racing and battle it out for the title of World Champion in the Mumm 30 One Design Class, September 25 – 28, 2002. Hosted by the Annapolis Yacht Club and the Mumm 30 One Design Class Association in conjunction with Farr International, the event will feature sailors from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Monaco, the Netherlands, and the United States all engaging in intense competition on the water each day and lively social activities each evening. Reigning 2001 Mumm 30 World Champion ALINA, with Maurizio Abba and his crew from Italy, will be here to defend their crown.
Title sponsor of the event is Champagne Mumm. Champagne has been associated with navigation since the 19th century when boats were christened by striking the hull with a bottle of champagne. In keeping with this tradition, Champagne Mumm has been the official partner of prestigious events in the world of sailing for twenty-five years. Other sponsors of the regatta include Lewmar Marine, North Sails, and the City of Annapolis.
Tom Whidden, President and CEO of North Sails Group, said, “North Sails is proud to be a sponsor of the 2002 Mumm 30 World Championships. This is a world class testing ground for North Sails and we appreciate the opportunity to be involved with the high caliber sailors who sail Mumm 30's. Our sponsorship is in recognition of this opportunity and in thanks to all of those sailors who use North Sails."
National Sales Manager for Lewmar Marine, Dick Rath exclaimed “Lewmar is extraordinarily proud of their long association with the Mumm 30 Class beginning with the very first championship regatta, held right here in Annapolis in 1996, with just seven boats competing, the class has since grown and developed worldwide to become one of the truly outstanding one design classes in existence. The splendid class organization and the stunning design have become hallmarks; the standard by which one-design classes are judged, and a serious attraction for the best sailors in the world. Lewmar wishes the very best of luck to all of the competitors in the 2002 Mumm 30 World Championship.”
In announcing the participation of the city of Annapolis in this global event, Mayor Ellen Moyer said, “Once again, Annapolis is proud to host an internationally acclaimed sailing event. The maritime industry is not only a major source of our economic viability; it is our window on the world. We are happy to share ‘America's Sailing Capital’ with those international competitors, sponsors, and spectators.”
Additional information about the event can be found on the www.mumm30.org web site with racing results posted daily.