FLORIDA YACHT CLUB IN JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA TO HOST
2012 MERRILL LYNCH/BANK OF AMERICA J/24 NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—(March 22, 2012) – The International J/24 Class Association has selected the Florida Yacht Club and its J/24 Fleet 55 to host the 2012 J/24 North American Championship Regatta. Those organizations are pleased to announce that Merrill Lynch/Bank of America will serve as the regatta’s title sponsor. The racing will take place on the St. Johns River, in the shadow of downtown Jacksonville, just outside of the historic Florida Yacht Club Nov. 14-17 2012 and will attract some of the sport’s best talent from the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
“Sailboat racing and J/24 class racing in particular epitomize the importance of teamwork which is one of our firm’s core values,” said Anthony Kurlas, Managing Director of the Merrill Lynch North Florida Complex. “This sponsorship is a natural fit and we’re proud to be part of this international competition happening in Jacksonville.”
J/24 Fleet 55 and the Florida Yacht Club have hosted top J/24 as well as Melges 24 national competitions in the past. In 2007, J/24 sailors were welcomed by fresh breezes and ideal, yet challenging sailing conditions on the St. Johns for the 2007 U.S. National Championship regatta. Tim Monahan chaired that event and will serve the same role for the 2012 North Americans.
“We look forward to hosting a first class regatta. We’re honored to partner with one of the premier financial institutions in the world to ensure we deliver on that promise,” said Monahan. “A title sponsor ensures that we can provide the services and race quality that this caliber of event deserves.”
Founded in 1876 and located on the St. John’s River the Florida Yacht Club has hosted many championship level regattas in its 110+ year history. For more information including how to register for the 2012 Merrill Lynch/Bank of America J/24 North American Championship regatta, visit www.J24northamericans2012.com.
About Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management
Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management is a leading provider of comprehensive wealth management and investment services for individuals and businesses globally. With over 15,000 Financial Advisors and in excess of $2.2 trillion in client balances it is among the largest businesses of its kind in the world. More than two-thirds of Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management relationships are with clients who have a net worth of $1 million or more.
