WHAT: Ten of the world’s best female skippers - including five of the top 10 - and their crews will battle it out on the Chesapeake Bay at the BoatUS Santa Maria Cup on May 30 – June 2. On the day prior to the start - Tuesday, May 29 - journalists and TV crews are invited aboard for a chance to sail 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.

WHY: A big showdown is brewing between #1 ranked in the world Claire Leroy of France, who has been the top match racer for the last two years, and Australian Katie Spithill (#6) last’s year’s Santa Maria Cup winner. (Katie’s brother, James, is currently the helmsman of the Italian America’s Cup entry Luna Rossa.) What about the four Americans: Liz Baylis (#27); Sally Barkow (#22); Katy Lovell (#24); or Liz Hjorth, the recent winner of the Sundance Cup?  Also on the hunt for a win is Christelle Phillipe of France who is currently ranked #10, Josie Gibson of Great Britain (#8), Australian Nicky Souter (# 14), and Italian Lorenza Mariani who is ranked #25 and having a great early season.

WHEN: The press sailing day is Tuesday, May 29. Press rides will only be from 1400 to 1700. The actual race starts Wednesday, May 30 and runs through Saturday June 2. Live commentary on the race will be available on VHF radio channel 78.

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