2:00 AM Wed 19 Aug 2009 GMT
The 2009 SAP 5O5 World Championships and North American Championships kicked off at the St. Francis Yacht Club. With more than 100 boats registered, the field features 2008 World Champions Ian Pinnell/Carl Gibbon; 2008 European and 2007 North American champion Ethan Bixby sailing with Australian legend Simon Gorman and 2006/2007 Australian champions Michael Quirk/Geoff Lange.
A veritable 'Who's Who' of American sailors includes 2009 Mid-Atlantic champions Ramsey Key/Drew Buttner along with many local favorites such as Howard Hamlin/Paul Cayard, Mike Martin/Jeff Nelson, Mike Holt/Carl Smith and Nick Adamson/Steve Bourdow.
The North American Championships include three days of racing through Thursday, August 20th. The SAP 5O5 World Championships open Friday, August 21st with six days of racing beginning Sunday, August 23rd. All races will take place on the Olympic Circle west of Berkeley; specific courses will be designated in the sailing instructions.
by Erik Simonson
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