31 May 2008

While the media center may get a bit crowded, Campbell pointed out that the Club itself is open to all registered media members who can use the wi-fi network to work almost anywhere on or near the Piazza. “We’re all delighted to see so much interest, and it’s been a pleasure to help those who can’t be in Porto Cervo to get news of this great event. Our daily press releases go out in a number of different languages, and we’ve got reporters from places as diverse as Norway, Estonia, and the USA.
Perhaps more significant in today’s world than the presence of more conventional print and website journalists is the presence of media teams from two of the most innovative websites - Sailing Revolution and Sailing Anarchy. Sailing Revolution (www.sailingrevolution.it), an Italian-language site that

specializes in video coverage of major European events, will be making high-quality videos from the event available on its website a few hours after racing at www.sailrev.tv. Sailing Anarchy (www.sailinganarchy.com), by far the most-visited sailing website in the world, has sent its team of “sailing anarchists” to Sardinia to provide their unique brand of live coverage from the waters of the Mediterranean. “On-The-Water Anarchy” reports include written commentary, action photos, and near real-time video to viewers around the world with almost no delay, and the audience can comment on the reporting during the event. This live coverage can be seen at www.sailinganarchy.com/forums. For more information about the 2008 Volvo Melges 24 World Championship, visit www.melges24worlds2008.com.

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-Perhaps more significant in today’s world than the presence of more conventional 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.sevenstarslam.com. Media inquiries and image requests should be directed to Media Officer Alan Block at alan@blocksail.com or +39 34 037 30 135.

ABOUT MKFOTOS

MKFotos.com is a professional photography service, specializing in destination wedding and event photography. Based out of Charleston, South Carolina, they are available for worldwide travel. The company’s founder is a well traveled photographer with years of experience, fluent in Spanish, German, and Polish.

ABOUT VELOCITEK

The Velocitek SC-1 GPS Race Computer is a powerful training tool that can make you a better sailor and help you win races. It gives you all the information you need to trim for optimal VMG (Velocity Made Good) and make sound tactical decisions, combining a GPS speedometer/VMG sensor with a compass, timer, start line proximity meter and data logger.

SEVENSTAR RACING TAKES 4TH PLACE AT MELGES 24 PRE WORLD REGATTA

PORTO CERVO, ITA (31 May 2008) - Battling against 53 other competitors from a record-setting 16 nations, Simon Strauss helmed Melges 24 “Sevenstar SLAM” to an 11, 14, 9 scoreline to take fourth place in the three-race pre-worlds regatta. “We had a nice mix of conditions over the two days and we’re happy with our boat speed,” said Strauss. “We don’t put much stock in this practice regatta though, as it was more about testing the crew and equipment so that we can be prepared to do our best at the main event.”

Testing is imperative, and indeed the boat suffered some rudder damage during the high-speed runs off Porto Cervo in 18 knots of wind during race 3 yesterday. “We’ve had a recurring problem with rudder alignment, and today we broke a mounting bolt during the last race, further aggravating the issue,” explained James Hill, foredeck hand of Sevenstar SLAM. “Finding and fixing weaknesses in our boat and crew is the whole point of these practice races, so we’re glad that things are now in top shape. Our shore crew worked until about 4:00 a.m. to repair the damage so that we could have a productive practice on Saturday.”

MEDIA IN PORTO CERVO TO PROVIDE UNEQUALLED INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE

Most major sailing events provide a “press center” so that journalists, photographers and film crews can get their work to websites and print publications for quick release. Anticipating the intense media interest in the upcoming World Championship, the hosting Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has provided a fully plugged in media tent that can hold more than 25 media staff, yet it may not be enough room to handle the demand. “We already have more than 30 journalists registered, and we expect at least another 30 to join them over the next few days,” said Costa Smeralda Press Officer Jill Campbell.” We did expect this many, but we’re used to running events that have this kind of coverage, and we think we’ve equipped everyone with what they need for the Volvo Melges 24 World Championship.”

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