Contact: Schelleen Rathkopf Event Producer Whidbey Island Race Week Point Roberts Race Week (206) 384-5254 [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Point Roberts Race Week Announces International North Americans

SEATTLE, Washington, December 31, 2019 - Whidbey Island Race Week LLC is pleased to announce that Point Roberts Race Week will host the International 6 Metre North American Championships July 13-17, 2020. In cooperation with the Puget Sound Six Metre Association (dba North American 6 Metre Association), yachts from Canada and the USA will include both Modern and Classic 6 Metres (designed pre-1965) racing as a single division on windward leeward courses set on the beautiful Strait of Georgia in the USA.

"We’re looking forward to a great event,” expressed Nigel Ashman, appointed liaison representing the US and Canadian Association and Championship and Pacific 6mR Yachts Inc. “Given the caliber and experience of the race management team provided at Point Roberts Race Week, we know the 6 Metre Class will be in very capable hands.”

The 6 Metres will participate in the 5-day championship and compete for the Bill Gooderham Canadian–American Trophy, awarded to the overall championship winner and the Olin J. Stephens II Trophy awarded to the highest placing Classics winner. Additionally, a new trophy (that is yet to be named), will be awarded to the highest placing ‘transitional’ Modern, defined as a boat built between January 1, 1966 and September 15, 1979 with an unmodified keel shape (and all other modifications within the rules that are allowed). “At least 6 boats will be in close competition for this,” explains Ashman, “including the recently and immaculately refurbished 1977 Doug Peterson design, Razzle Dazzle, Gary Mull’s St Francis V, St Francis VII and Ranger, and Britton Chance’s Frenzy. Peter Norlin, Pelle Pettersen and Ian Howlett designs will also grace the race course with the latest in keel and winglet design.”

The International 6 Metre was first conceived as a Class at the 1907 meeting of the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU), now known as World . The International Rule, also known as the Metre Rule, was created at this time to establish consistent methods for measuring and rating to ensure fairness in racing and to encourage innovation. This same rule governs 6, 8, and yachts, with the 12 Metres gaining world renowned status as an ’s Cup competitor from 1958 to 1987.

The International 6 Metre was first chosen as an Olympic Class in 1908 and sailed in each Olympics until the last appearance in 1952 at Helsinki, Finland. The 6 Metre was also the boat of choice for a number of other high-profile events including the British–American Team Race Challenge, Seawanhaka International Challenge Cup, the One Ton Cup and the Bermuda Gold Cup. Due to its place on the world stage, the class has historically attracted the very best sailors to its ranks.

In recent years, the Class has seen increased participation in both the Classic and Modern divisions. In 2017, the class drew 45 boats from 11 nations to compete in the World Championships in Vancouver BC Canada.

“For this year’s North Americans in the Classic Division,” explains Ashman, “boats built prior to December 31, 1965 are expected to have a really strong local fleet that is often led by Kimo Mackey sailing the 1935 Bjarne Aas, designed by Saga, that will be exciting to watch. At least 6 other Classics, including the famous Goose, a 1938 S&S design, are also expected to attend.” Commenting about the Moderns he adds, “We expect 2 generations of boats to participate: those with cutting edge winged keels, such as Wildcat, New Sweden II and Arunga and earlier boats with standard fin keels. All boats, Classic and Modern, rate 6 metres and in certain conditions, anything can happen.”

Currently, there are 2 sponsors of the International 6 Metre North Americans that include Pacific 6mR Yachts and PARC Retirement Living.

Helpful Links: http://www.6mrNorthAmerica.com https://parcliving.ca https://pacific6mryachts.com https://www.pointrobertsraceweek.com

Registration for Point Roberts Race Week opens on January 1, 2020 through the event website.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

About Point Roberts Race Week Point Roberts Race Week is a 5-day big boat race event happening July 13-17, 2020 in Point Roberts, Washington USA. John Abel (Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Victoria, BC Canada) will be at the helm as Principle Race Officer (PRO) and he will be joined by Race Officer (RO) Paul Evenden (Vancouver, BC Canada), and Chief Judge (CJ) Jared Hickman (Seattle, WA). The regatta is open to keelboats and multihulls 19’+ racing PHRF, ORC, or in a (NFS) Cruising Class. The 2020 event will offer two race circles.

After 37 years in Oak Harbor, Washington, it was announced in March 2019 that the event would change venues to Point Roberts, Washington where the event had the capacity to grow. The Point Roberts Marina offers a full-service deep-water marina that can accommodate boats up to 52’ LOA. The mission is to grow the sport of sailboat racing in the region by providing the most qualified race management team in a venue that can offer compelling buoy and distance racing possibilities. Whidbey Island Race Week has since been rebranded as Point Roberts Race Week.

The old logo:

The new logo:

About John Abel

Principle Race Officer (PRO) Point Roberts Race Week

John Abel Credentials: International Race Officer (IRO) Canada National Race Officer (NRO) Race Management Master Course Conductor (RMMCC) Club Judge (CJ) Member Sail Canada Race Management Sub-Committee Championship Coordinator, International Class

John Abel Career Highlights: PRO - Sperry Charleston Race Week 2019 PRO - Swiftsure International Race 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 PRO - VanIsle 360 Race 2019, 2017 PRO - Melges 24 World Championship 2018 PRO - Melges 24 Canadian Championship 2018 PRO - Sail Canada Youth Nationals 2017 PRO - Melges 24 US Nationals 2016 PRO - Australian Hobie National Championship 2014 CRO - Melbourne Sailing World Cup 2014

John Abel is a lifelong sailor and member of Royal Victoria Yacht Club. His credentials combined with his extensive race management experience makes him the perfect fit for Point Roberts Race Week. He has competed in numerous keelboat and dinghy classes including the Melges 24, J80, , Martin 242, and . In addition to racing, John enjoys cruising on his Beneteau 49 which he recently sailed from Halifax, down the US east coast and through the Caribbean and Panama Canal.

About Paul Evenden Race Officer (RO) Point Roberts Race Week

Paul Evenden Credentials: National Race Officer (NRO) Race Management Course Conductor (RMCC) Club Judge (CJ)

Paul Evenden Career Highlights: PRO - and Hobie 20 North American Championships 2019 PRO - BC Summer Games 2018, 2016 DRO - North Americans 2017 ARO - 6mR Worlds 2017 PRO - Hobie 16 Youth North Americans 2016

Paul Evenden is a member of the Cultus Lake Sailing Club and COSA (Central Okanagan Sailing Association). In addition to 15 years of race management experience, Paul has over 20 years of racing experience and achieved a 2nd place ranking in all of North America in the Hobie 18 class.

About Jared Hickman Chief Judge (CJ) and Regional Umpire (RU) Point Roberts Race Week

Jared Hickman Credentials: World Sailing certified International Judge (IJ) US Sailing Certified National Judge (NJ) US Sailing Certified Chief Judge (CJ) US Sailing Certified Regional Umpire (RU)

Jared Hickman Career Highlights: NJ – Hobie 16/Hobie 20 National Championships 2019 NJ / RU – US Championships (Hinman Cup) 2019 RU – US Match Race Championship 2019 CJ – Moore 24 National Championships 2019 CJ – Whidbey Island Race Week 2012-2019 CJ – San Juan 24 North Americans 2018 NJ – Melges 24 World Championship 2018 NJ – 6 Metre World Championship 2017 NJ – J24 National Championship 2017 NJ – Melges 24 National Championship 2017

Jared Hickman is a longtime member of Corinthian Yacht Club in Seattle, WA and has been a passionate sailor since he was a kid. In 2013, he competed in the Melges 24 Worlds and also have enjoyed racing his and Star. About Schelleen Rathkopf Event Producer Point Roberts Race Week

Schelleen Rathkopf is Managing Editor at Northwest Magazine and is a member of Corinthian Yacht Club in Seattle WA. She has been producing Race Week since 2014, and served on the Whidbey Island Race Week Race Committee as timer and scorekeeper since 2003. She has raced on a variety of boats including J24s, SJ24s, C & C 32, Olson 30, Cookson 12M, and a Star for many Puget Sound area races, including Swiftsure and Southern Straights. She has also done some cruising in the San Juan and British Virgin Islands and owned and skippered her own boat, Isaura, a San Juan 28 for several years. In 2019, Schelleen crewed on Leg 6 of the Maiden Factor for the delivery from Vancouver BC to Seattle. A graduate from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, Schelleen majored in Art History and then pursued a career in marketing and promotions in Seattle area media houses including KING TV and Seattle Magazine for over 20 years. She served as the Sponsors Coordinator for the Mallory and Irvine Research Expedition on Mount Everest in 1999, where she worked on sponsor procurement and fulfillment on Mt. Everest. Schelleen is also the producer of a new regatta called SHE that features all women skippers, crew and race management officials. She is a certified professional organizer through NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals).

About Point Roberts Marina, Washington USA Point Roberts, Washington is a beautiful seaside community that is just 4.9 square miles and overlooks the Strait of Georgia north of the San Juan Islands and south of Tsawwassen and Ladner, British . It offers a protected 920 slip marina that sits on 155 acres. The marina has a 3,000-pound small boat dinghy lift in addition to a 35-ton travel lift, a full-service chandlery and mechanic shop. There is gas, diesel, propane and water available at the marina in addition to RV and tent camping, laundry and shower facilities. There is also a US customs agent on site to assist with racers coming to Point Roberts Race Week from British Columbia or other provinces in Canada.

Travelling to Point Roberts By Boat: 48 degrees 58’ 23.91” N, 123 degrees 03’ 52.20” W / NOAA Chart 18241

Travelling to Point Roberts from the USA by boat does not require any border crossings. Travelling to Point Roberts by boat from Canada requires a border crossing. For vessels arriving from Canadian waters, Point Roberts Marina is a Port of Entry and there is a customs dock at the entrance to the Point Roberts Marina.

Delivery Party in Anacortes

For those crew doing the delivery from the Seattle area, a delivery party will be hosted at the Anacortes Yacht Club from 6-8 pm on both the Saturdays before and after Race Week.

By Car:

Point Roberts is located in Washington state, but due to its location below the 49th parallel, travelling there from the USA requires two border crossings: in Blaine, WA (to enter Canada) and Tsawwassen BC (to enter back into the USA). Driving Distances to Point Roberts: From Vancouver, BC: 24 miles From Blaine, Washington: 25 miles From Bellingham, Washington: 49 miles From Seattle: 150 miles Border crossings can be avoided altogether, however, for walk on passengers taking the Point Roberts Race Week Water Taxi from Blaine, WA to Point Roberts Marina, WA.

By Water Taxi:

USA citizens can avoid border crossings altogether by taking the Point Roberts Water Taxi, a 48-passenger vessel (Koinonia) conducted by Paraclete Charters. Daily round trip service will be offered between Blaine Harbor Marina, the Inn at Semiahmoo and Point Roberts Marina beginning Sunday, July 12 through Saturday, July 18, 2020. The crossing over Boundary Bay is 12 NM, and will take approximately 25 minutes. Reservations will be required and can be made by calling Paraclete Charters at (360) 420-5187 or [email protected].

By Air:

There is a grass landing airport in Point Roberts that offers service by San Juan Airlines. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is also 20 kilometers from Point Roberts.

By Ferry:

Tsawwassen Ferry provides multiple sailings to/from the Gulf Islands, Victoria and Nanaimo.

Border Crossings

Traveling between Canada and the United States is easy if you have the proper documents. To cross into Canada requires proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization as well as photo ID). The US requires a passport. Other additions that can make life easier are FAST, NEXUS or SENTRI cards or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL). For more information about border crossings, travelling with children and pets, declarations and exemptions, contact US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) / www.cbp.gov (877) 227-5511 or (360) 332-5771 Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) / www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca (800) 461-9999 or (240) 983-3500

Accommodations

Home Rentals: Contact Tracy Evans to find home rentals in Point Roberts: Tracy Evans Real Estate Broker / Point Roberts Keller Williams Western Realty (206) 658-5762 / [email protected] Airbnb (www.airbnb.com) and VRBO (www.vrbo.com)

Hotels: Coast Tsawwassen Inn (604) 943-8221 The Inn at Semiahmoo (360) 318-2000 Beach Grove Hotel (877) 943-2632 Contact the Chamber of Commerce in Blaine, WA and Tsawwassen BC for hotel/motel listings.

Camping: RV and tent camping will be available on-site at the Point Roberts Marina. Reservations will be required and can be made through Point Roberts Race Week registration. Cost will be $50 (tents) and $100 (RVs) for the week.

Lighthouse Marine Park features individual and group sites. Reservations can be made at (360) 945-4911 or [email protected]

RV Rentals in Point Roberts:

Best Time RV, LP Christina Tersakian 79 Tyee Drive Point Roberts, WA, 98281 (888) 308-0284 / [email protected]

Jucy RV Rentals (Vancouver BC & Point Roberts) (800) 650-4180 [email protected] https://www.jucyusa.com/

Sponsors of Point Roberts Race Week 2020

Point Roberts Marina https://www.pointrobertsmarina.com/ Helly Hansen https://www.hellyhansen.com Whatcom County State of Washington http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/ Northwest Yachting Magazine http://www.nwyachting.com Fisheries Supply http://www.fisheriessupply.com Ullman http://www.ullmansails.com CSR Marine http://www.csrmarine.com Prism Graphics http://www.prismgraphics.com Jan’s Marine Photography http://www.janpix.com Cori Whitaker Homes http://www.coriwhitakerhomes.com Seattle Sailing Club http://www.seattlesailing.com Sail Northwest http://http://www.sailnorthwest.com

Fleet Championships at Point Roberts Race Week 2020

Corsair Nationals International 6 Metre North American Championships

Helpful Links

Whidbey Island Race Week http://whidbeyislandraceweek.com/ Point Roberts Race Week http://pointrobertsraceweek.com Point Roberts Race Week Video https://youtu.be/6sPSvjnq1-8 Point Roberts Marina https://www.pointrobertsmarina.com/ Westwind Marine at Point Roberts Marina http://www.westwindmarine.net/ Blaine Border Crossing http://www.blainechamber.com/border-crossing-info/ Point Roberts Border Crossing https://pointrobertsnow.com/border-crossing-information/ US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) www.cbp.gov Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca Lighthouse Marine RV Park in Point Roberts http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/1956/Lighthouse-Marine-Park Breakwaters Bar & Grill in Point Roberts https://www.breakwatersbargrill.com/ Kiniskis Reef (The Reef) Tavern in Point Roberts https://www.facebook.com/KiniskisReefPointRoberts/ Bald Eagle Golf Club in Point Roberts https://baldeaglegc.com/ City of Tsawwassen Information (604) 200-7651 https://sunnytsawwassen.ca/ Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal http://bcferries.com San Juan Airlines http://sanjuanairlines.com/ Paraclete Charter Service http://www.paracletecharters.com/ PHRF NW http://phrf-nw.org/ PHRF BC http://bcsailing.bc.ca/racing/phrf-orc/ ORC www.ORC.org/clubapplication. ORC Explained https://www.ussailing.org/competition/offshore/orc/ Media Race Week 2019 Official Photos https://janpix.smugmug.com/Events/Whidbey-Island-Race-Week-2019/ Sailing World Magazine https://www.sailingworld.com/adult-summer-camps-new-home/ Northwest Yachting Magazine https://www.nwyachting.com/2019/07/race-week-past-present-and- future/?fbclid=IwAR1MdKFEJwJg8XZszwuXg948W75w5gjA7xIl13r7ScO-D45IW-y3KL81i4k

CONTACT Schelleen Rathkopf / Event Producer 2400 NW 80th Street #130 Seattle WA 98117 (206) 384-5254 / [email protected] ###