GMC Yukon Yachting Key West
Race Week 2000
January 17 - 21, 2000
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GMC Yukon Yachting Key West |
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Friday, November 12, 1999
GMC Yukon Returns as Key West Title Sponsor --Strong Sponsor Lineup Matches Strong Fleet for Race Week 2000 MARBLEHEAD, Mass. (November 12, 1999) – Sailors from around the world have
targeted their racing calendars for January 17--when hotly contested battles begin at the 13th GMC Yukon Yachting Key West Race Week, held January 17-21 off Key West
(Florida). "The depth of the fleet will double this year," says Mumm 30 World Champion Ed Collins, of the battles expected in his one-design class. That trend is likely to be
mirrored in many classes, including a 30-boat Farr 40 class and 22-boat 1D35 class, as top sailors from around the world make their way to this sailing mecca.
But notable sailors are not the only ones who have set their sights on America's premiere big-boat regatta, founded by Yachting Magazine: An impressive lineup of
sponsors will join the fleet in southernmost U.S. waters this winter. Title sponsor GMC Yukon headlines a group of sponsors that includes both veteran supporters and companies that are new to the event.
"Each year our sponsor roster becomes stronger, ensuring that the quality of this event matches the quality of our fleet--one that is renowned for representing top level,
international big-boat racing," says Event Director Peter Craig of Premiere Racing. "Having a company the caliber of GMC as our Title Sponsor sets a very high standard
for Race Week that is reflected by our other sponsors--all of whom help bring a level of excellence to every aspect of the event." Returning for the third year as Title Sponsor, GMC Yukon will display a new line of their
popular Yukons that feature enhanced towing capabilities for sailors. "We're excited about showcasing the all-new 2000 Yukon and Yukon XL [formerly the GMC Suburban]
at the prestigious Yachting Key West Race Week," said Denny O'Donnell, GMC Yukon brand manager. "Sailors will especially appreciate the amazing agility of the all-new, full-size Yukon and Yukon XL."
Boatscape.com,Lewmar Marine and Samuel Adams will partner with Race Week for the first time as event sponsors. A "virtual yacht club," Official Day Sponsor
Boatscape.com is an online destination site for recreational boaters that provides e-commerce, information, and an Internet community for those who enjoy boating.
Lewmar Marine is an international manufacturer of marine hardware whose product is standard equipment on a wide variety of recreational and commercial boats; their
winches and deck hardware will be found on many of the top performers at Race Week. Official Beer Supplier Samuel Adams is certain to be popular with sailors each night under the Race Week reception tent.
Key West, Florida, is a magnet for special events and for tourists and visitors from around the world, and Race Week has carved out its own place of prominence on the
island's calendar. "Yachting Race Week has evolved into one of Key West's premier special events," said Captain Bill Wickers, Chairman of the Florida Keys tourism
development council, a significant supporter of the event. "Not only does the regatta provide significant economic benefit, but it also offers an extremely visual event that our residents look forward to each year."
The Florida Keys & Key Westslogan 'Come as your are' is certainly appreciated by Race Week veterans. This regatta would not be the same without Official Day Sponsor Mount Gay Rum,
which has participated in all 12 Race Weeks, beginning with the first event in 1988. Champagne Mumm, the Official Champagne for Race Week, will be in great demand
from the winning crews at Friday's awards presentation, where series winners will be recognized. Grand Banks Yachtsis becoming a fixture in Key West with their Eastbay
performance cruisers and the classic Grand Banks diesel cruisers participating as the Race Committee Signal Boats. The Kenwood Cup, the international big-boat classic sailed off Honolulu, Hawaii, and Saucony
, host of the regatta's popular 5-K Fun Run, round out the roster of Official Suppliers. In 1999, Race Week moved its base of operation to the Historic Seaport at the Key West Bight
, and the new Official Site has had a significant impact on the event: It has helped make more transient berths available to racers and brought regatta headquarters into the heart of Old Town Key West. The elegant Ocean Key
, the Official Hotel, is situated only three blocks from Race Headquarters. GMC Yukon Yachting Key West Race Week is open to entries in IMS, PHRF, and One-Design classes. Racing begins Monday, January 17 and concludes Friday,
January 21. Registration opens at 1300 on Sunday, January 16. For more information Cynthia Goss: (203) 453-2731, Fax (203) 453-3026,
Peter Craig: (781) 639-9545, Fax (781) 639-9171, PremiereRacing@compuserve.com
The GMC Yukon and Yukon XL (XL stands for extra length) are all new for 2000. These surprisingly agile, full-size SUVs feature torsion bar front suspension, fire-link coil spring rear suspension, and a 23-percent stiffer body than previous models for a smoother, quicker, more controlled ride. They also have a tighter turning radius and large brake pads to help ensure Yukon and Yukon XL are professional grade full-size SUVs designed to exceed your expectations. Maximum towing capabilities have also been increased, with Yukon's maximum at 8,800 pounds and Yukon XL's at a best-in-class maximum of 10,500 pounds.
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