Exciting One-on-One “Match Race” Hosted by Eastport Yacht Club, Annapolis MD

Pitting sailboat against sailboat in a fast-paced duel to the finish line, “match” racing is considered by many to be the most exciting racing format. It’s a matter of brains over brawn as each boat spars with its foe for the slightest edge. Tactics, leadership and crew teamwork are the components of victory.

World-class match racing comes to Annapolis’ doorstep May 31 – June 3 when 10 of the top women match racers are scheduled to compete in the BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup.

Hosted by Eastport Yacht Club and sponsored by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.), the confirmed fleet of ten teams led by notable skippers includes Christelle Phillipe of France, Australia’s Katie Spithill, and Mariani Lorenza and Giulia Conti of Italy. Americans Liz Baylis, Katy Pyle-Lovell, Carol Cronin, Jo Ann Fisher and Deborah Capozzi are also included in the fleet as well as Canadian Jen Provan.

Each skipper leads a hand picked crew of three. Over the course of three days, a series of round-robin heats will determine who goes to the finals on Saturday, June 3.

Unlike sailing races where big budgets and expensive hi-tech boats can have an advantage, these match racers will take to the Chesapeake Bay course in identical J-22 (22-foot) sailboats.

“There is nothing like having these world-class racers in our back yard,” said BoatU.S. President Jim Ellis. “We hope that our sponsorship over the years has influenced more women to take up sailing and competitive racing,” he added.

“We have another talented field of teams this year in one of the strongest of any women’s match race events. This is a tribute to volunteers and members of the Eastport Yacht Club and BoatU.S.‘ sponsorship,” says Jeff Borland, chairman of the 2006 BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup. For more information go to SantaMariaCup.org.