Thinned out

Changes to Acura Miami Race Week 2007 as reduced berthing for visitors forces re-appraisal by organisers

Premiere Racing have announced a change for their Miami event today. The unusual 2005 hurricane season and the subsequent effects on fuel prices and boating in South Florida, are the driving forces in a business shift by the Miami Beach Marina and as a result the official site can only commit to a limited number of transient slips(berths).

There simply will not be enough transient slips available in the area for a multi-division 80-90 boat ocean fleet in 2007. While discontinuing the event was considered, Acura and Premiere Racing both felt it was worth pursuing a new approach for 2007, concentrating on a smaller number of high profile classes, and then revisiting all alternatives for 2008 and beyond. One of the primary goals is to keep the regatta venue, dates, visibility, and potential intact while assessing future options. One significant factor will be the impact, or lack thereof, that the 2006 hurricane season might have on the marina and logistical infrastructure.

The Farr 40’s has already committed to the 2007 Acura Miami Grand Prix. A second featured class will be the ‘big-boat’ IRC class with numerous programs having already expressed interest in the Miami event. Up to two additional classes will be allowed to compete. The Mumm 30 class, coming off of a November World Championship in Miami Beach, represents a potential third class.

In the two years since taking over SORC, Premiere Racing grew the event from a 58-boat single venue regatta to a 142-boat event featuring racing on both Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Acura Miami Race Week’s popularity and prestige rose quickly, and included the 2006 Rolex TP52 Global Championship last March.

At the same time, recent one design class decisions have ruled out racing on Biscayne Bay for 2007. The Etchells class, representing half of the Biscayne Bay fleet, has changed their winter series dates and moved their Mid-Winter’s to within four days of Acura Miami Race Week, citing the 2007 Super Bowl in Miami as the reason for the schedule change.

“Peter [Craig of Premiere Racing] has kept us apprised of the developing logistical issues since he took over back in 2004," said SORC spokesman Buck Gillette. "The reality is that there are only two options for 2007– discontinuing the event or changing the format at least for the short term. We’re very pleased that the legacy of SORC will continue as we collectively seek solutions to the issues at hand.”

The “SORC Renaissance”, which established credibility following the successful 2005 and 2006 events, will continue. “We can appreciate the logistical challenges Premiere Racing is faced with in South Florida and are very excited that Acura and Premiere have decided to continue the SORC tradition next March,” said Farr 40 Class President Jim Richardson. “The Miami Beach venue is superb for our class and a big part of the Winter schedule for visiting overseas owners as well as the many North American owners who travel south and east for the winter season.”

“The legendary SORC played a meaningful role in our sport over the years and we would like nothing better than to continue to grow this event,” said Premiere Racing’s Peter Craig. “Despite the logistical challenges that have been presented, both Acura and Premiere Racing are committed to a top-tier 2007 regatta as we evaluate and pursue solutions going forward.”

“A Premiere Racing event has always meant the very highest quality - both on and off the water", said Farr 60 owner Dan Meyers. “Numbers will be doing both Key West and Miami next year because it represents some of the best IRC racing and race management we’ll see all year long.”

The Miami Beach Marina will remain the Official Site for this 2007 grand prix event. The Thursday to Sunday racing format will continue with regatta dates March 8-11, 2007. The “Acura Grand Prix Awards” will again be awarded to the combined winners of the Key West and Miami events for those applicable classes. Information and details on the 2007 Acura Miami Grand Prix will be posted on the Premiere Racing web site: http://www.Premiere-Racing.com

What are your views on the changes to this cornerstone of the American winter season? Email us here.