WFORC CANCELLED IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANE IVAN

From Scott Gregory, USMCA SE District Governor - As most of y’all are aware, Pensacola was hit hard by Hurricane Ivan and the damage is rather extensive. I received official notice from the Fleet Captain at PYC that due to the enormous damage WFORC has been canceled this year. Our prayers go out to all those families who have lost loved ones, homes and possessions in the hurricane.

The next regatta on the SE schedule is MELBOURNE RACE WEEK- Melbourne Yacht Club, Melbourne, Florida, October 23-24, 2004. Melbourne Yacht Club does a fantastic job with well over 10 boats in attendance last year. The last opportunity to put points on the board for the SE Circuit is Jacksonville. The Florida Yacht Club hosts the ever popular KINGS DAY REGATTA. The date for the event has changed to NOVEMBER 19th, 20th and 21st. Kings Day provides an excellent opportunity for the best sailors in the Southeast and United States to come together (prior to Key West) to see where they stand in the fleet. It is one of the best regattas in the Southeast and is the first stop of the Winter Series Championship. Past champions of the regatta read like a “who’s who” of the Melges 24 class.

Lastly, I would like to welcome David Scruggs into the SE Circuit. He is the new owner of hull no. 119 and is located in Jackson, Mississippi. We are glad to add David to our fleet- especially since he has graciously offered to host the much anticipated SE Circuit v. Midwest Circuit Showdown in the Spring at Jackson Yacht Club (JYC) to determine (on an annual basis) which Circuit has the best sailors and best partiers. This event will be added to the SE Circuit Schedule for 2005. The club facilities are exceptional and David assures me everyone will leave with a smile on their face. In addition, for those interested in taking advantage of an opportunity to sail against other Melges 24 in early October and enjoy Southern hospitality, David will be hosting a group of Melges 24 for the Hospice Cup at JYC on October 9th and 10th.

I hope all is well and look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Scott Gregory
SE District Governor
Team Satisfaction
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