Fifty expected for A-Class Catamaran North Americans

An expected 50+ high performance A-class catamarans (A-cats) with Olympic and America’s Cup-caliber skippers will be coming to Panama City (FL) and St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club for the A-Class Catamaran North American Championship on May 19-22.

St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club has organized a media team comprised of professional sailing photographer Walter Cooper, videographer Nicholas Bowers, and public relations pro Laura Muma who will provide pictures, video and commentary to capture the thrills and spills of the A-cat racing, tell the behind-the-scenes stories about the competitors, camaraderie and the incredible A-cat technology, and introduce fans and future visitors to all that Panama City has to offer.

“St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club is thrilled to be hosting this prestigious regatta and we are grateful for the City’s assistance in leveraging this North American championship to promote Panama City as an incredible sailing and tourist destination,” said Richard Dodd, Commodore. “We look forward to introducing our beautiful town on the bay to top sailors from all over the United States and Canada.”

“A few of us have raced in Panama City in the past and been so impressed by the natural beauty, easy style of the area, and great hospitality of St Andrews Bay Yacht Club,” said Bailey White, president of the United States A-Class Catamaran Association. “Last year, when we thought about where we wanted to have our North Americans in 2015, St Andrews Bay Yacht Club came to mind immediately.”

Currently 46 boats are registered for the event, many of which will arrive early for a Coaching Clinic, hosted by Olympic silver medalist Randy Smyth on May 16-17. A practice race is scheduled for May 18, and up to three races a day are planned for May 19 – 22. To follow the event: www.acatnorthamericans.com