Sevenstar SLAM Sportboat Goes Transatlantic To Compete For World Championship

PORTO CERVO, ITA (26 May 2008) - Today saw the completion of a nearly 5,000 mile long trek for the Melges 24 racing boat “Sevenstar SLAM” as she lay on her trailer, ready for an 8:30 a.m. launch this morning having arrived to compete in her third major one-design event in just five weeks. The boat, sail number 592, has covered nearly 5000 miles along the way, touching 8 U.S. states and 6 European nations on her way to the biggest sportboat event on the planet - the 2008 Volvo Melges 24 World Championship.

The New York City-based owner and helmsman knows what to expect from a world-class fleet with some of the deepest talent of any, with Olympians, America’s Cup sailors, and World and Nationals Champions in abundance. “We’re coming to Italy to sail as fast as we can, and the rest will sort itself out,” says Simon Strauss, a native Englishman turned Manhattan resident of nearly three decades. Strauss said his crew has been training for months, and that they are “all great sailors.” Tactician Bill Hardesty is always training, and this current Melges 24 World Champion tactician has come off a string of great performances in the past 12 months at some of the most competitive regattas in the world.

Strauss’ brother Quentin is a former top level M-24 owner and along with Hayling Island dinghy and keelboat sailor James Hill, they round out the crew of Sevenstar SLAM, while shore duties are handled by a small team, currently in Sardinia preparing the boat for action.

A short Pre-Worlds regatta begins this coming Thursday, while the true battle for one of the most coveted titles in yacht racing begins on Sunday, 1 June. Daily reports and photos from the event will be available at www.sevenstarslamracing.com, along with team bios, schedule and contact information. For mor information about the 2008 Volvo Melges 24 World Championship, visit www.melges24worlds2008.com.

Team Sponsors

ABOUT SEVENSTAR YACHT TRANSPORT

As the first and most specialized motor and sailing yacht shipping specialist, Sevenstar Yacht Transport offers trouble-free shipping for yachts of any size. Sevenstar’s network of experienced carriers, loadmasters, and crews work with the best equipment to ensure minimum risk to client’s yachts enroute to a virtually unlimited choice of destinations.

Headquartered in Holland, at the heart of the global yacht building industry, Sevenstar staff understand the unique requirements of yacht owners and their vessels, from the family cruising yacht to the largest round-the-world racing multihulls to production motor yachts. - whether they are family cruisers, round-the-world racing multihulls, or production motor yachts.

Sailing schedules and detailed information about Sevenstar’s services can be found at www.sevenstar.nl. Immediate questions can be addressed to our staff at info@sevenstar.nl or +31(0)20 448 8590.

ABOUT SLAM

Founded in 1979, SLAM is Italy’s leading manufacturer of technical sailing apparel and a significant player in the sportswear sector with collections for men, women and children. While holding firmly to its tradition and passion for sailing, SLAM continues to set new ambitious goals for itself.

SLAM’s collections are characterized by innovation, technology and Italian style. Working in sync with universities and leading manufacturers of textile fibres, SLAM continues to research innovative fabrics and assembly techniques that are opening new frontiers in the world of clothing. Clinical studies have proven that fabrics that are more breathable, lighter and possess thermo-regulating properties reduce fatigue and, as a consequence, enhance athletic performance.

For high-resolution images or to learn more about Sevenstar SLAM Racing, visit www.sevenstarslamracing.com. Media inquiries and image requests should be directed to Media Officer Alan Block at alan@blocksail.com or +39 34 037 30 135.