October International Event in Rochester, NY

What: US SAILING’s 2009 Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship

When: October 7-10, 2009

Where: Rochester Yacht Club, Rochester, N.Y.

About: Four days of fleet racing on Lake Ontario, Oct. 7-10, and two days of boat measurement and registration on Oct. 5-6.

Social Program: Every day after racing, RYC will host a casual dockside happy hour where competitors can debrief, rehydrate and relax, while parties will take place each evening with the regatta culminating at the traditional Rolex gala and awards presentation where a Rolex timepiece will be awarded to the winning boat’s skipper.

Junior Development: The Next Step to Rolex program, a developmental program for girls age 13-17 that seeks to offer keelboat training in a mentoring atmosphere, precedes the main event and takes place Oct. 2-4. Over 35 young women from across the U.S. are expected to participate.

Public Contact: Anne Beadling, email at riwkc09@gmail.com or the Rochester Yacht Club at 585-342-5511.

Event Website:www.riwkc.com

Event Chairs: Cory Sertl (Rochester), 1988 Olympian, well-known in international racing circles for her competitive success as well as her long support of the administrative side of sailing. In addition to representing US SAILING at the annual ISAF (International Sailing Federation) meetings, serves on the ISAF Council and helped to successfully lobby for including women’s keelboat racing in the Olympics. Nine-time regatta competitor, winning the inaugural Rolex IWKC in 1985 as crew and again as skipper in 2001. 2001/1985 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year.

Anne Beadling (Rochester), is known for her organizational skills and passion for sailing, most recently served on the committee for the 102-boat 2008 J/22 World Championship, held at RYC, as treasurer/secretary and project manager.

History of the regatta: Inaugurated in 1985 at the instigation of the US SAILING’s Women’s Championship Committee, the Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championship quickly became the premier women’s sailing event in the U.S. and worldwide. Held biennially, the event provides women keelboat and offshore sailors high-quality racing and an opportunity to compete with top national and international sailors. Rolex Watch U.S.A. has sponsored the regatta since its inception. The event is part of US SAILING’s Championships calendar.

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