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The 2001 Melges 24 World Championship, originally planned for November in Ft Lauderdale, will now be run as a 10 race series within Race Week from 21-25 January 2002 with pre-event registration and measurement commencing on Friday, 18 January.

Premiere Racing has worked closely with the IMCA to put together a programme that fully meets the requirements for a world championship. Additional facilities and components being provided include a formal boat measurement, separate crew weigh-in, practice starts, practice races and on the water judging to enhance the already outstanding Key West experience for the Melges 24 competitors.

Terra Nova Trading / Yachting Key West Race Week is always a major feature on the International Melges 24 circuit with 60 boats competing at the 2001 event and a record number of entries now projected for 2002.

"We are delighted to be working with Premiere Racing. They are long standing supporters of the Melges 24 Class and when approached for help in rescheduling the World Championship, they immediately responded to the challenge" said IMCA Chairman Tom Freytag.

Other venues were considered, but timing and the fact that many Melges competitors were already planning on racing in Key West, made it the logical choice.

"The Melges 24 fleet always brings exciting racing and enthusiastic competitors to Key West, " said Event Director Peter Craig. "A World Championship adds logistical and manpower challenges, but we want this to succeed and are committed to working with the class to make this a memorable event."

The IMCA is also delighted with the enormous support it has received from the general membership of the class for the move to Key West and would like to thank everyone for their forbearance during the past difficult week.