The 2004 Acura Southern Ocean Racing Conference (SORC), on 25-29 February in Miami, has been named as the second stop on the inaugural J/105 Southern Circuit. The 63rd edition of North America’s premier winter ocean racing regatta will once again feature racing on ocean courses with all shore side activities headquartered at the Miami Beach Marina.

The J/105 President’s Southern Circuit perpetual trophy will be awarded annually to the boat with the best score in the three J/105 Southern Circuit events. Each year the trophy will be engraved with the names of the current President of the J/105 class association, the winner of the circuit, and a participant who sails in all three regattas, and who is deemed to promote sportsmanship and the best interests of the Class (the Sportsmanship Award). The 2004 J/105 Southern Circuit kicks off with Key West Race Week see Key West news story here and concludes with Charleston Race Week.

In addition to the J/105s, entries for the 2004 Acura SORC will be welcomed from boats racing under handicap rules, IMS, and PHRF, as well as one-design classes such as the Swan 45, Farr 40, Mumm 30, Melges 24, J/80, multihulls and any class with more than five entrants.

The Acura SORC will also offer a team competition category featuring the cumulative scoring of three boats in separate classes. Teams can comprise boats from the same yacht club, geographic region or foreign country. Team applications are available by calling the Acura SORC, applications must be submitted by 25 February 25.

To register for the 2004 Acura SORC log on to www.acurasorc.com.