5th Annual Screwpile '97 Sailing Regatta July 20-22, 1997

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- July 18, 1997 -- The Southern Maryland Sailing Association (SMSA) is sponsoring the 5th Annual Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge in Solomons, Maryland July 20-22, 1997. Co-sponsors include: Atlantic Spars and Rigging; Bowen's Inn; Budweiser; Calvert County; Century Planning Associates, Inc.; Chesapeake Systems; Holiday Inn Select, Solomons; JC Creative Service; IKON Office Solutions; Lighthouse Inn; Logistic Services International, Inc.; Mount Gay Rum, NetPro, Inc.; Quantum Sail Design; Rhumbline Inn; Solomons Pier Restaurant; Spectrum Sciences; Spin Sheet Magazine; Traditional Homes; WMDM/WPTX; Woodburn's Food Market and Zahniser's Yachting Center.

Currently, 112 boats are registered for the race with an expected total registration of approximately 130. Participants can register via the Internet at http://www.smsa.com or from 12:00 - 5:00pm Saturday, July 19, 1997 at Zahniser's Yachting Center, Solomons, Maryland.

The 1996 Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge was a great success. 115 boats brought approximately 1,500 crew and 5,000 visitors/participants to Solomons Island during the event last July; participants and visitors spent approximately $487,500* in Solomons over the course of the 1996 event.

Screwpile 97 is open to racing and cruising monohull yachts that have a valid handicap rating certificate on file with appropriate PHRF or MORC class organizations. One design competitor must be members of their respective class associations. (PHRF handicaps must be from PHRF of the Chesapeake Bay and must be rating of 195 or below).

For further information or to register please call L.G. Raley at the Southern Maryland Sailing Association (301) 862-3100 or http://www.smsa.com or the Calvert County Department of Economic Development at (410) 535- 4583, e-mail cced@co.cal.md.us.

(*Amount derived by multiplying number of Regatta participants by average amount spent in Calvert County on an overnight stay (1,500 x $325 = $487,500. Estimates taken from State Conversion Study). This amount includes boat slip rentals, rooms rented, and restaurant and vendor sales.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com