With two exciting new classes invited to participate and a worldwide wave of interest in Charlotte Harbor, the board of directors today released the Notice of Race for the Charlotte Harbor Regatta and the opening of our registration site for the Feb. 3-6, 2011 event.

Low fees, free slips, great hotel rates, generous sponsors and helpful volunteers make the Charlotte Harbor Regatta “the fun, affordable regatta.” The 2010 regatta drew 65 boats in eight classes, including strong Hobie Wave and Hobie 16 fleets. The multihull circle that featured the Hobies this year, will double next year with the addition of the F18 and Weta trimaran classes. Also invited to participate are the Viper 640, Flying Scot, Sunfish, Laser, S2 7.9 and Precision 15 classes. Other classes will be considered upon request.

The Charlotte Harbor Regatta will feature fast, competitive racing, exciting onshore activities and beautiful Southwest Florida weather. Classes will race on three circles, grouped according to boat compatibility and size. Buzz about the 2010 Charlotte Harbor Regatta and the great sailing conditions here resulted in the International Association for Disabled Sailing awarding its 2012 World Disabled Sailing Championships to Charlotte Harbor, which was recognized by SAIL magazine as “one of the top 10 greatest places to sail in the United States.”

An early registration discount and a $5 US Sailing member discount make the regatta even more affordable. 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.

Virtually everything you need to know about the Charlotte Harbor Regatta is available on our website at www.charlotteharborregatta.com. Participants may register and pay online via our RegattaTech application or print out a registration form and mail in your entry and payment. The website also will enable participants and prospective entrants to see who has signed up for what classes, buy regatta gear and follow the results come February. Lodging, directions, related links and a regatta store also are featured online.

For participant, media and sponsor inquiries about the 2011 Charlotte Harbor Regatta, e-mail Brian Gleason at gleason@charlotteharborregatta.com.

Thanks for your interest in the Charlotte Harbor Regatta. We look forward to seeing you on beautiful Charlotte Harbor in February.