SORC renaissance

Premiere Racing announce dates for 2005 Miami Beach Race Week

Premiere Racing have announced the dates for next year's Miami Beach Race Week which will include racing within Biscayne Bay.

The Miami Beach Marina is the Official Site, hosting the two ocean courses, while the new Shake-A-Leg sailing facility in Coconut Grove will be the host site for racing on the
bay.

"The response from racing boat owners, the performance sailing industry, and the greater Miami community has been overwhelmingly positive," reports event organiser Peter Craig. "We took a lot of time to poll interested parties before setting the dates and are confident that 10-13 March is the most favourable timeframe."

One design interest in Miami Beach Race Week is strong. At press time, the following classes are invited: Farr 40, Mumm 30, J/105, Melges 24, J/80 and the International Etchells. The Melges 24s and Etchells will race on the Biscayne Bay course over three days, 11-13 March. Numerous other one design classes have expressed interest and will be announced in due course.

Handicap racing will be a major component of the 2005 regatta. Renewed PHRF and IMS interest has been expressed by past participants and PHRF organisations. PHRF handicapping and class assignments will follow the highly successful models developed by Premiere Racing as part of its renowned Terra Nova Trading Key West event.

There has been significant progress with boat logistics and planning issues. Premiere Racing representatives recently completed a Miami tour and planning trip. Logistical issues including dockspace, boat storage, mobile marina operations, deep draft slips and crew housing are being addressed with ample, affordable options coming available.

Founded in 1941, the SORC enjoyed a rich history and created sailing legends over the years. The founding yacht clubs recently discontinued their management of the SORC event and reached an agreement with Key West event organiser Premiere Racing to produce a new event that will continue the tradition of great racing in this popular South Florida venue.