Miami Beach Race Week Dates Announced: SORC Legacy Continues, Dual Racing Venue Reestablished

MIAMI, Fla - 60+ years of South Florida racing tradition will resume March 10-13, 2005.

Premiere Racing announced their Miami Beach Race Week dates and a Biscayne Bay component to the 2005 event today. 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 organizer Peter Craig. "We took a lot of time to poll interested parties before setting the dates and are confident that March 10-13 is the most favorable 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, March 11-13. Numerous other one design classes have expressed interest and will be announced on the event web site as 2005 racing schedules are finalized and classes are accepted.

Handicap racing will be a major component of the 2005 regatta. Renewed PHRF and IMS interest has been expressed by past participants and PHRF organizations. 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. The event web site will present a comprehensive menu regarding event logistics later this spring.

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 organizer Premiere Racing to produce a new event that will continue the tradition of great racing in this popular South Florida venue.