Worlds Venue:

Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast
St. Petersburg is on the west coast of the Florida peninsula, located between the Gulf of Mexico and the widest point of Tampa Bay. The waters of Tampa Bay in the immediate vicinity of St. Petersburg is ideal for racing with no headland obstructions to influence wind direction or velocity. The water depth of the racing area averages 12 feet (4M) with an even bottom except in marked channels and inlets. Wave conditions are moderate as the intended racing area is semi-protected.

Weather and Tidal Data Summary
Land and sea breezes modify the subtropical climate with daytime average temperatures during March and April of 73 degrees (F) and 65 degrees (F) in the evenings. Relative humidity during this period averages 63 percent.

Correctly named the Suncoast, the sun shines over 65% of the time with April being one of the sunniest months. The prevailing morning winds are easterly around 10 knots with the normal pattern of a veering wind to a westerly sea breeze of 10 to 15 knots as the land temperature exceeds that of the Gulf of Mexico. (The above pattern can be altered by late winter frontal activity with more northerly wind directions and breezy conditions which are moderately usual and short-lived.)

The tidal range in Tampa Bay is approximately two feet (.6M) with current speeds of 1.5 knots or less although unusual wind-tide interactions can modify these ranges.

The water temperatures during March and April averages in the mid 60 degree (F) range.

Race Management
Race management officers and staff have the accreditation and experience to run a world-class event. The chief race officer for the 1997 FD Worlds was a Principal Race Officer for the 1996 Olympic Games held in Savanna, Georgia and a veteran of numerous one-design championships. Most members of the race committee also have recent Olympic experience.

Jury
An international jury will be appointed and present at the regatta.

Shipping of Boats and Equipment
The estimated cost of shipping boats to and from St. Petersburg (round trip) via container is based on six boats per container and on current currency exchange rates:
Northern Europe—$1500.00 U.S. per boat
Southern Europe—$2000.00 U.S. per boat
South America—$2700.00 U.S. per boat
Price depends on currency exchange, a full container and prevailing freight rates.

The port of entry is Miami or Jacksonville, Florida and includes the container delivered to the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, left at the yacht club during the event, and picked up after the event concludes for the return trip. Arrangements can be made through the regatta office or through European Ocean Freight Services at 718-978-1111 (U.S.). Considerable advance notice will be required if arrangements are to be made through the regatta office.

Transportation
St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area is served by two international airports, Tampa International and St. Petersburg International . Limousine transport to and from the airport and yacht club is available. All major car rental agencies are located in adjacent Tampa and St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg is accessible via Interstate highway I-275 connecting to I-75 and I-4. Orlando (1.5 hours) and Miami (4 hour) are reasonable drives.

Accommodations
St. Petersburg is a resort city with a wide range of hotel accommodations available. Within walking distance of the SPYC and the Sailing Center are hotels ranging from the world class Stouffer Vinoy to more affordable and moderate accommodations. Camping facilities are available but not in the immediate area of the SPYC.

Arrangements for housing with SPYC members will be provided as available. Contact the regatta office to make arrangements for housing or receive information on area accommodations. Please note that availability of both housing or hotel accommodations may be scarce at the last minute because of the busy tourist season during the winter and spring months.

Entertainment
Florida, the Gulf Coast, Tampa Bay, Orlando and St. Petersburgšs principal industry is tourism and family oriented entertainment. Disney World, Sea World, Epcot, Universal Studios, Cypress Gardens, and other theme parks are within easy driving distance in Orlando . Busch Gardens Amusement and Wild Life Park and the Florida Aquarium are located in neighboring Tampa.

The Gulf Coast is adorned with sandy beaches and sparkling water.

Restaurants, clubs, and cafes of every imaginable cuisine are within walking distance or within an easy drive of the yacht club. Shopping, sports clubs, golf, and tennis are all available in the immediate area of the SPYC.

The Organizing Committee for the 1997 Flying Dutchman World Championships plans an extensive entertainment schedule for the competitors and their families at the SPYC.

Regatta Communication and Information
The St. Petersburg Yacht Club will make all information concerning the event available on the INTERNET. Results and race summaries will be available daily from the SPYC web site http://www.paw.com/sail/spyc