Statue of Liberty Marathon Sailing Race expecting record turn-out, about
100 Boats Expected to Race from the Sandy Hook Bay to New York Harbor… and
back
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, N.J. – June 24, 2006 – For skippers
and crew of catamaran sailing boats, the most exciting event of the year
is approaching quickly. On July 2, the Sandy Hook Bay Catamaran Club, located
in Atlantic Highlands (NJ), will be hosting its famous annual event, known
among sailors as the "Statue
of Liberty Marathon Sailing Race”. With just days to go till Independence
Day weekend, an increasing number of teams are signing up to participate
in what is probably the largest sailing event in New York harbor this summer.
“We are proud to host one of the largest annual sailing events in New
York Harbor, and definitely the one with the most boats,” said Jacques
Pierret, the club’s race director. “With more than 75 boats pre-registered,
the race is well on its way toward a record attendance this year, and we are
getting close to our goal of seeing a 100 boats that the starting line. Our
race is the living proof that sailing off the New York & New Jersey coast
is easily accessible and affordable to all.”
The annual race got its start in the 1980s, when some club members challenged each other to sail to the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, linking Brooklyn to Staten Island. The race ultimately ended up rounding the Statue of Liberty. It was
such a great sailing experience that an increasing number of sailors joined
the informal race each year, making it a not-to-miss annual event. Over the
past 20 years, the race has attracted participants from throughout the East
Coast and from elsewhere, all of whom relish undertaking the long distance
sailing challenge each year.
“The Statue Race is now a true classic,” Pierret said. “Serious
racers want to live the experience at least once, but many loyal teams show
up at every edition. From the small 16-foot Hobie Cats to the impressive Reynolds
33 foot “machines,” this course offers a great challenge for everyone.”
The Statue of Liberty is located 20 miles north from the startling line at
the club. The boats pass through the Verrazano Narrows to enter into the chaotic
marine traffic of New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty marks, appropriately
for Independence Day weekend, the rounding mark for the race, after which the
boats head back for another grueling 20 miles of fighting ocean waves and bay
currents.
At the end of the day, rounding the Statue of Liberty, surrounded by the Manhattan
skyline, is a true reward for a sailor’s effort. Vic Simon, commodore
of the club, commented: “It’s a unique experience and we guarantee
our participants cross the finish line with a great feeling of accomplishment.”
“For spectators, the best location to view the race is at Liberty State
Park in Jersey City”, Simon said. “This location – about 400 yards
from the Statue – offers spectators a perfect view over New York Harbor,” he
added. “Fans and family can see the competitors entering the harbor through
the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and watch as the sailors make their way up to
the Statue.”
Another prime spectator location is at The Sandy Hook Bay Catamaran Club,
where spectators can watch the competitors prepare for the race beginning Saturday
afternoon and early Sunday prior to the 10 am start. Simon urges spectators
to stick around for the after- race beach party, as one of the top Surf Rock
music bands in the country, “Mister Neutron”, will perform Sunday
evening.
Let’s see – a bunch of sailors, a beach party with Manhattan view and
a surf rock band? Not bad for an Independence Day weekend get-away.
For more information about this event at http://www.statueoflibertyrace.com/