Sailboat Match Race Comes to Annapolis Area May 31- June 3.

WHAT: Ten of the world’s best female skippers and their crews will battle it out on the Chesapeake Bay during the BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup from Wednesday May 31 to Saturday June 3.

On the day prior to the start - Tuesday, May 30 - journalists and TV crews are invited aboard for a chance to sail for about an hour and a half with the world’s best women match racers. This special media sailing day will put you aboard a J-22 (22-foot) sailboat along with competitors to give you a chance to experience this great sport – no sailing experience needed.

You will have unfettered access and opportunities to discuss the race and add personal elements to a story. Unlike many professional athletes, women match racers are mothers, executives, college students and everyday people who work hard to compete by juggling careers and family life. They are the cream of the crop in competitive sailing. See http://www.SantaMariaCup.org.

HOW: The BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup is held in match race format that pits boat against boat, one-on-one. Unlike sailing races where big budgets and expensive, hi-tech boats can have an advantage, match racers take to the course in identical sailboats. The winners are determined through skill, tactics and finesse – not money.

WHEN: The special media day starts at 1PM, Tuesday, May 30; the actual races are May 31-June 3. Daily race reports to be posted at http://www.SantaMariaCup.org.

WHO: The race is sponsored by BoatU.S. (Boat Owners Association of The United States) and hosted by the Eastport Yacht Club.

WHERE: Eastport Yacht Club, 317 First St., Eastport, MD. The race is sailed on the Chesapeake Bay adjacent Annapolis, MD.