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September 18
The Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship - A Spectator Thrill!
The public is welcome to "climb aboard" as the 9th biennial Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship (IWKC) rolls into town for the first time ever -- September 22-28! The Rolex IWKC is regarded as one of the highest profile, most competitive all-women keelboat regattas in the world.

"Area sailors and armchair sailors alike are welcome to join us at Annapolis' City Dock to greet almost 250 competitors from around the globe at the Opening Ceremonies, Sunday, Sept. 23 from 5-6 p.m.," says Linda Gimbel Hughes, Annapolis Rolex IWKC Public and Media Relations Director. "Spectator boats are also invited to come watch as more than 60 teams of four women from around the world battle it out on J/22 keelboats in 10-races over five days on the waters off of Annapolis."

Weather permitting, approximately two races will be held daily from Monday, Sept. 24- Friday, Sept. 28. First gun goes off at 11 a.m. Hughes suggests using binoculars for exceptional race viewing.

Want to watch but don't have a boat? Here's the solution: Event officials have commissioned a daily spectator boat. "Grab your friends and family and come down to City Dock," says Debbie Gosselin of Watermark Cruises and a regatta organizer. "Just meet the boat at end of Annapolis City Dock. We'll depart at 10 a.m. and return at 4 p.m."

There will be a cash beverage service available (beer, wine, soda, juice and liquor). Spectators may also buy box lunches. Place orders when making reservations. To reserve call 800-569-9622 ext. 104 or 410-268-7601 ext.104. Cost is $30 per person. "We have record participation at this regatta. And with women's keelboat racing making its debut as the 11th sailing medal for the 2004 Olympics in Athens and the new Annapolis venue, it's a sure thing that this will be a highly memorable regatta for the competitors and our community," says Sandy
Grosvenor, event co-chair.

Past competitors have included the world's brightest racing stars as well as those on the rise. The entry list reads like a who's who of world class sailing - Olympians, Whitbread Round the World racers, America's Cup veterans and Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year winners. "Teams from Japan, South Africa and our own backyard will enjoy Annapolis' renowned hospitality and the regatta's blend of tough competition and international camaraderie," says Anne Harrington, event co-chair. "Our invigorating fall sailing conditions, experienced race management team from Annapolis Yacht Club, strong volunteer base and excellent facilities are keys to further enhancing this regatta's world-class reputation."

In addition to Rolex, the founder of the event and title sponsor, other sponsors include: Phillips Seafood, Dry Creek Wines, Dirty Dog Eyewear, Nextel, Chart House, Annapolis Waterfront Marriott, Boat Yard Bar & Grill, Quantum Sails, Watermark Taxi, Eastport Yacht Club, Severn Sailing Association, Jack Martin Insurance, Carey Kirk Interior Designs, Heinekin, Conde Nast, Einsteins, RegattaWeb.net and J Inc.

SPECTATOR BOAT GUIDELINES
1. Stay at least 100 yards away from all racing marks, competing boats, and/or official boats (race committee, media, jury). Race committee boats will all be flying a blue flag with an anchor and the initials "RC" on it. The jury boats will have a flag that says "JUDGES" on it. And all other official boats will be flying a white flag with the regatta logo on it. Please honor requests to move from any official boat.

2. Be aware of the wake your boat causes. Travel at no more that 4 knots near and around the racecourse. If you want to go at higher speed, first move several hundreds yards away from the racecourse, then accelerate, and slow again to a minimum wake speed before you re-approach the racecourse. Under the racing rules, competitors are not allowed to communicate with other boats while they are racing, and they will be penalized if they do so.

3. Sailboats, please keep your sails down in the racecourse area so you won't interfere with the racers' wind patterns and you won't be confused with a competitor.

4. Monitor VHF Channel 22A for special safety information. Use VHF channel 9 for hailing and keep all non-distress radio traffic off VFH channel 16.