The Final Showdown” in the final round of the $10,000 Tournament at the 2011 Spring Fling of Sailfish. “That (his team’s) the only team that was left to race,” Hagan said. “I called it as soon as the winner was announced. “I was like, ‘Dude, it’s over. They just won. It’s done.’ He (the skipper of the winning team) asked if they won a prize or something. I said, ‘No. There is no prize. You’re done. There’s no prize.'” A member of three straight North American Soling North American Titles, Hagan also represented the United States as it won its first North American Cruising Challenge title in 1999 and 2000. “It’s definitely awesome to be back (in Fort Lauderdale) since I won that Soling race in 1999,” he said. “I did come up here for the racing, but we were all here for a vacation, so it was like work/vacation. “It’s so nice to be back here. I haven’t been back since 2000. But if I’m ever in the area, I’m definitely going to come out to play. It’s really, really nice. “It’s a really great spot to sail, and we have the event so well organized.” The Soling North American Championship at the 2011 Spring Fling of Sailfish, presented by Fort Lauderdale Yacht, will be open to anyone who makes a North American Soling Rating. Competitors must complete at least five rated races during the tournament series from May 12-14, 2011. A fee of $45 will be charged to compete at the Spring Fling of Sailfish for each one-day race entry. An eight-race weekend package is available for $95. More about the North American Soling Rating, the Soling North American Championship, the 2011 Spring Fling of Sailfish and other area sailing events are available at www.sailfishflorida.com/sailing/events/North_American_Soling_Regatta.html. The 2011 Spring Fling of Sailfish takes place May 12-14 from Fort Lauderdale Yacht and is presented by Fort Lauderdale Yacht, which has a new home in the new Fort Lauderdale Beach neighborhood. The yacht club, originally known as the Atlantic Sailing Club, is dedicated to sailing, fishing, and local sailing events. Check out the club’s web site for more information at www.fllag.com. “The 2011 Spring Fling of Sailfish will be the premier North American Soling North American Championship in 2011, and it could also be the last North American Soling North American Championship in Fort Lauderdale.” said Jim Zwier, the president of the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club. The 2011 Spring Fling of Sailfish is a two-day event that begins with a welcome party on Friday, May 13. The event takes place in two venues: the Fort Lauderdale Beach marina and the old Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club site. “Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club is proud of its association with the renowned Spring Fling of Sailfish,” added Zwier. “We look forward to hosting the Spring Fling of Sailfish, sponsored by Fort Lauderdale Yacht, as well as many other great sailing events during 2011.” More than 10,000 square feet of new outdoor space for social gatherings and a large pavilion for special events are included in the plans for the new Fort Lauderdale Beach marina. The development also includes a new outdoor patio next to the entrance. The marina includes 50 slips for luxury sailboats, including catamarans and trimarans. A fleet of more than 90 charter yachts in the Fort Lauderdale area will also race the event from May 12-14. Additional information about the event is available by calling 754-923-1400 or by email at sailfishflorida@bellsouth.net. The Club also holds an annual Regatta for Cruising Yachts each fall on the Florida Keys. Famous sailing families, sailors and friends, including some of today’s top athletes, will gather at Fort Lauderdale Yacht for the 20th Spring Fling of Sailfish on May 12-14. The popular sailing event, presented by Fort Lauderdale Yacht, returns for a full week of yachting fun from May 12-14, with numerous social and competitive activities. The “Spring Fling of Sailfish” series is presented in association with the Suncoast Sailing Association. The three-day event offers a world-class fleet of more than 80 yachts for racing and a party atmosphere in Fort Lauderdale. This year’s line-up of famous sailing families includes America’s Cup skipper Bill Koch and his son, Zach, as well as Paul Cayard and his son Adam and daughter Claire. In addition, racing legend Iain Percy, who won the Louis Vuitton Cup World Championship in 2010, will be on hand, as will America’s Cup sailor Chris Bertish. Among those athletes returning this year is 2008 Olympic hero Anna Tunnicliffe. The event is hosted by the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club on the Fort Lauderdale Beach waterfront. The yacht club, founded in 1886, is dedicated to sailing, fishing and local sailing events. “This year’s Spring Fling of Sailfish is one of the most anticipated events of the spring in South Florida,” said Jim Zwier, president of Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club. “Fort Lauderdale Yacht is proud to be the title sponsor of the event, which will feature multiple venues, including two sites located on the Fort Lauderdale Beach waterfront.” Other activities include parties at various venues, including the main marina, including the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club. “Last year’s event was very successful, and it was fun to see a mix of familiar faces, many of whom race with us in the Fort Lauderdale Sailing Squadron, as well as many first-time participants,” Zwier said. “It’s always great when new people experience yacht racing. There are many of our activities on board that participants may not know about, like our popular regatta parties. We like