SHEBOYGAN, Wisconsin, USA., (September 4, 2009) --

The newest Olympic class boat- the Elliott 6m- will be raced for the first time in the
United States September 11-13 at the US Sailing Center Sheboygan
during the inaugural Buddy Melges Challenge.

The Grade 2 women’s match racing event features nine three person
teams from around the world. The skippers are:
- Sandy Hayes (USA)
- Stephanie Hazard (New Zealand)
- Liz Hjorth (USA)
- Linur Kliger (Israel)
- Kristen Lane (USA)
- Samantha Osborne (New Zealand)
- Jennifer Provan (Canada)
- Maegan Ruhlman (USA)
- Tania Zimmerman (Peru)

The regatta will consist of one round robin with all nine teams, an
eight-team quarterfinal, a four-team semifinal and final and petit-final
matches.

The regatta is named for America’s Cup skipper and sailing legend
Buddy Melges, who will be on hand for a trophy dedication 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 at the Sheboygan Yacht Club.

For more information, visit www.ussailingcentersheboygan.org/n-2009-melgeschallenge-main.php