BCYC Announces the 2010 Around the Islands Race

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--Host and Organizing Authority Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club (BCYC) is pleased to announce the “Around the Islands” sailing race scheduled for July 16-18, 2010. Sponsored by Oakley, the renowned sunglasses manufacturer, this regatta is the inaugural race of what is expected to be an exciting and long-term experience.

“We are excited to share our polarized lenses with some of the best sailors in North America and to take part in this great event.”

A mix of serious blue-water racing and “island-style” parties before, during, and after the race, promises to make this race a new tradition in Newport Harbor. Starting with a Caribbean-themed party the evening before the race and ending with a fun-filled afternoon of steel band music, the atmosphere surrounding the race will be exciting.

“We are expecting a significant number of experienced ocean racers, ranging from the `big boats' through medium-sized racing boats to cruisers who are eager for another overnight challenge,” said BCYC Commodore Don Bernard. “Promptly at noon on race day, skippers will begin the 125 mile race around Catalina Island, Sutil Island and Santa Barbara Island with a unique twist to tradition — the course will take them clockwise around the islands. With the larger boats arriving after midnight at Santa Barbara Island, the long run back to the starting line at night should be exhilarating. The race begins and finishes off Newport Beach.”

“Oakley is proud to partner with BCYC for what promises to be a marquee event in Southern California sailing,” said Pat McIlvain, Vice President of Global Sports Marketing at Oakley. “We are excited to share our polarized lenses with some of the best sailors in North America and to take part in this great event.”

Events:

1. Pre-Race party on Thursday evening (similar to Ensenada Kick Off)

2. Saturday evening - Caribbean Party - Club event but finishers, crew, and spouses welcome

3. Sunday - Island BBQ, Steel Band, lots of gifts for participants. Trophy presentation

Race Chairman Paul DeCapua said, "We want to host a truly memorable event with the mix of a challenging race and fun-filled partying for racers and guests. We encourage the big-boat fleet and one-design classes to contact us now and register their intent to race.”

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. All race collateral materials will have sponsor names and logos, and the Race web pages will have all sponsor names and logos posted. Additional sponsors are offering cash and in-kind merchandise, gaining marketing opportunities. The sponsors may exhibit banners, product displays and can also host events or provide apparel or other merchandise. A Perpetual Trophy will be presented to the skipper of the boat with the Best Corrected Time

ABOUT BAHIA CORINTHIAN YACHT CLUB

Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club was founded in 1958 and in 2008 celebrated its milestone 50th anniversary year. BCYC offers a family atmosphere where power or sailboat owners share a first-class facility offering comfortable amenities and a well-rounded calendar of events. BCYC offers racing, cruising, entertainment, social activities and an outstanding Junior Sailing program year-round. BCYC members enjoy worldwide club privileges, with reciprocity in yacht clubs around the world. For more information, please call Susie Broderick at 949-644-9530 or visit: www.bcyc.org.

ABOUT OAKLEY

The global leader in performance sunglasses, goggles and prescription eyewear, Oakley also offers technical and lifestyle apparel, footwear, watches and accessories. The company was created for athletes who see impossibility as just another challenge, and their dedication inspires Oakley to seek out problems, solve with innovation and wrap invention in art. Exceeding the limits of possibility for more than thirty years, Oakley serves the demands of world-class athletes with unbeatable technologies including High Definition Optics® (HDO®). Additional information is available at www.oakley.com.

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