Local Olympians kick-off Boats Afloat Show with Pro-Am Regatta

SEATTLE, Sept. 11, 2007 – Six local water-sports Olympians will match tacks and gibes with some of Seattle’s most skilled sailing instructors in the annual Pro-Am Celebrity Sailing Regatta at noon on Wednesday, kicking-off the 30th Lake Union Boats Afloat Show on South Lake Union in Seattle.  The show runs through Sunday. 

Local water-sports Olympians participating in the Pro-Am include Jordan Malloch, a two-time Olympian in sprint canoe/kayak, along with local rowers Mary Whipple, winner of a silver medal at the Athens Olympic Games and in August guided the U.S. to its second consecutive world championship, Bob Ernst, UW women’s rowing coach and former U.S. Olympic coach and Michael Callahan, UW men’s rowing coach and member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team, John Stillings, who won silver at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics,  Conal Groom a 2000 Olympian in rowing and Tom Hull, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team.  Following the competition, the Olympians and sailors will be available to share stories and sign autographs. 

With over 340 boats on the water, the 30th annual Lake Union Boats Afloat Show is the largest floating boat show on the west coast.  The show, which runs Wednesday, Sept. 12 – Sunday, Sept. 16, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend.   Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under and available online at www.BoatsAfloatShow.com or at the gate.

The 2007 Lake Union Boats Afloat Show is sponsored by Fireman’s Fund Insurance

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About the Northwest Yacht Brokers Association
The Northwest Yacht Brokers Association www.nwyachtbrokers.com is a non-profit marine trade group founded in 1988 consisting of over 340 marine brokers, dealers and other industry professionals representing over 230 marine-related businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Subscribing to the strictest code of ethics, NYBA members are committed to bringing integrity and professionalism to the buying and selling process of new and previously owned pleasure craft. NYBA plays an active role in marine youth and education programs and is active in creating a greater interest in the welfare and safety of the boating public. Along with the Northwest Marine Trade Association, NYBA's January and September Boats Afloat Shows connect thousands of boating enthusiasts with marine professionals and the finest pleasure craft the Northwest has to offer.