Eastport, Md., January 12, 2010 -- World-class sailboat match racing returns to Annapolis’ doorstep on June 2 - 5 with the 20th Annual BoatUS Santa Maria Cup.  A Notice of Race was issued today by race host Eastport Yacht Club , which is the first step in the invitational process which will end up with ten of the world’s top women skippers dueling it out on the Chesapeake Bay in a series of matches over four days.  The race is sponsored by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS).

Unlike many match races and regattas, where big budget, high-tech boats could have a pronounced advantage over their competition, BoatUS Santa Maria Cup captains and their three-women crews compete on near-identical J-22 (22-foot) sailboats, with teams switching boats after each race and winners determined through skill, tactics and finesse.  Adding to the excitement, the match race format pits boat against boat, one-on-one, in fast-paced duels that often sees the winner crossing the finish line a mere seconds ahead of its opponent.

On the day prior to the start — Tuesday, June 1 — journalists and TV crews are invited to sail with the competitors as they engage local area sailors in a special PRO-AM Race (contact Clare Vanderbeek).

Stay tuned to www.BoatUSSantaMariaCup.org as new information and competitors are posted.

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About Eastport Yacht Club:

Located on the Severn River in Annapolis, Maryland this club of 600 members is recognized around the yacht-racing world as a leader in race management.  Additional information about the club is available at www.EastportYC.org.

About BoatUS:

BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money saving services.  For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com call 800-395-2628.