BoatU.S. Santa Maria Cup Celebrates 20 Years on June 2, 2010

Eastport, Md., January 12, 2010 -- World-class sailboat match racing returns to Annapolis' doorstep on June 2 - 5 with the 20th Annual BoatUS Santa Maria Cup.

A Notice of Race was issued today by race host Eastport Yacht Club, which is the first step in the invitational process which will end up with ten of the world's top women skippers dueling it out on the Chesapeake Bay in a series of matches over four days.

The race is sponsored by Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS).

Unlike many match races and regattas, where big budget, high-tech boats could have a pronounced advantage over their competition, BoatUS Santa Maria Cup captains and their three-women crews compete on near-identical J-22 (22-foot) sailboats, with teams switching boats after each race and winners determined through skill, tactics and finesse.

Adding to the excitement, the match race format pits boat against boat, one-on-one, in fast-paced duels that often sees the winner crossing the finish line a mere seconds ahead of its opponent.

On the day prior to the start - Tuesday, June 1 - journalists and TV crews are invited to sail with the competitors as they engage local area sailors in a special PRO-AM Race (contact Clare Vanderbeek).

Stay tuned to www.BoatUSSantaMariaCup.org as new information and competitors are posted.

About Eastport Yacht Club:

Located on the Severn River in Annapolis, Maryland this club of 600 members is recognized around the yacht-racing world as a leader in race management. Additional information about the club is available at www.EastportYC.org.

About BoatUS:

BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com call 800-395-2628.