Fort Myers lands national sailing championship

Members of the Edison Sailing Center on the Caloosahatchee River. Fort Myers will host the national and world sailing championships for the 2.4mR class boat next fall. Weeks after landing the 2009 World Championships of the 2.4mR class of sailboats, Fort Myers has secured the 2009 National Championships to precede the Worlds, boosting the caliber of sailors who will compete and increasing the length of stay of visitors to Lee County. Fort Myers-based Diversified Yacht Services, Inc. also has signed on as the title sponsor to provide additional resources to assist organizers plan the events.

The three-day National Championships competition is scheduled for Oct. 26-28, 2009, with the seven-day World Championships to follow Oct. 31 to Nov. 6, 2009. The world-class competition, headquartered in the Fort Myers River District and hosted by the Edison Sailing Center, will take place in the Caloosahatchee River and will draw an experienced fleet of sailors including Paralympic medallists and America's Cup competitors.

"To secure the National Championships before the Worlds and to generate a title sponsor are major steps to ensuring Fort Myers shines on the world stage," said Steve Olive, head coach of the Edison Sailing Center. "With the nationals preceding the worlds, the top competitors in the world are more likely to compete in both, and two regattas will significantly impact our local economy."

Although the first regatta is a national competition, sailors from outside the United States can compete as well. Sailors will compete in the nationals as a "warm-up" to the worlds to become acquainted with the race course and sailing conditions. Between 300 and 500 travelers are expected to visit Fort Myers for the two events, which will attract as many as 100 elite competitors from as many as 17 nations.

Experts estimate the regattas could have an economic impact of more than $1 million for the local economy. Regatta organizers plan to provide activities for the sailors' guests and encourage patronage of Lee County businesses while they are visiting. More than 30 volunteers have begun meeting monthly to plan the event and they are seeking additional volunteers and sponsors. Anyone interested in getting involved can call 340-2345 or 841-7677.