CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FLA. – Building on a 26-percent spike in entries last year and riding a worldwide wave of interest in Charlotte Harbor, the 2012 Charlotte Harbor Regatta Notice of Race features 12 classes on four race circles for the Feb. 2-5, 2012 event. Online registration is now open at www.charlotteharborregatta.com.

Low fees, free storage and parking, great hotel rates, generous sponsors and helpful volunteers make the Charlotte Harbor Regatta “the fun, affordable regatta.” After the inaugural 2010 regatta drew 65 boats in eight classes, the National Association of Sports Commissions recognized the 2010CHR as its “Best Local Event.” The Charlotte County Visitor and Convention Bureau honored regatta organizers with its 2010 “Event Development Award.”

Three new multihull classes were added in 2011 to form one of the largest multihull regattas in the country, with 55 boats. Six monohull classes – the Sunfish, Laser, Flying Scot, 2.4mR, Precision 15 and S2 7.9 – competing on two additional race circles brought the total number of boats to 82, making the Charlotte Harbor Regatta one of the fastest-growing regattas in the country. The addition of the WindRider trimaran in 2012 will bring the total number of classes to 12, with more than 100 boats expected to compete.

The 2012 Charlotte Harbor Regatta will feature fast, competitive racing, exciting onshore activities and beautiful Southwest Florida weather. CHR2012 will come on the heels of a pair of international events to be staged on Charlotte Harbor, including the 2.4mR Pre-Worlds Dec. 8-10, 2011 at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club and the 2012 International Association for Disabled Sailing World Championships Jan. 7-15, 2012 at Laishley Park Municipal Marina. Charlotte Harbor has been named by SAIL magazine as “one of the top 10 greatest places to sail in the United States.”

A $10 early registration discount and a $5 US Sailing member discount make the regatta even more affordable at only $60. Regatta rates on area hotels start at $65, and early birds can snag a two-bedroom suite right at our regatta host, Fishermen’s Village Resort & Marina, for only $140 a night, 30% off their regular rate. In addition, all nightly regatta dinners are included in the registration fee, with additional crew or family tickets only $40.

For participant, media and sponsor inquiries about the 2012 Charlotte Harbor Regatta, e-mail event co-chairs Clif Kewley at c.kewley@charlotteharborregatta.com or Sarah Buck at sarahcommodore@live.com or go to www.charlotteharborregatta.com.