Terra Nova Trading Key West 2004, presented by Nautica, North America’s largest keelboat regatta, which starts next Monday, has matured into a midwinter pilgrimage for many of the world’s best professional and amateur sailors.

Signing in this year, among others, are Ed Baird, Stu Bannatyne, Vince Brun, Brad Butterworth, Paul Cayard, Eric Doyle, Pease Glaser, Robbie Haines, Terry Hutchinson, Chris Larson, Ross Macdonald, Harry Melges, Adrian Stead, Tom Whidden, and, for the first time in a long time, Dawn Riley, a former Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year and America’s leading advocate for women in sports.

Five days of racing start next Monday for what are currently 302 entries from 18 countries and 32 states, competing in 11 PHRF and 10 one-design classes on boats from 24-75ft, including two new classes of Swan 45s and C&C 99s.

Watch out for daily yachtingworld.com reports next week.