ST PETERSBURG, FL - (September 12, 2005) The Southeastern Sailing Association (SESA) members and Strictly Sail St. Petersburg get behind the helm this fall as SESA launches Sailing for Miracles to celebrate the joy of sailing while raising money for All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Special events and programs will be held from November 3-6, 2005 during the Strictly Sail boat show at Spa Beach at the base of the St. Petersburg Pier. Celebrity sailors will skipper fun regattas, and children from the hospital will be brought to the show for sailboat rides.

"Sailing for Miracles is a program of sailing events designed to draw attention to the sport and the boat show while raising funds for one of the most popular institutions dedicated to helping children with serious diseases," said Ron Frisosky of Catalina Yachts and President of SESA. "We want to create a sensation this year by filling the harbor with sails," he said.

The highlight of Sailing for Miracles is the 'Masters Under Sail' regatta on November 5, sponsored by Ronstan. The St. Pete Yacht Club will provide ten Sonars, and sailing participants can buy tickets to race with some of the highest profile icons of sailing: Ted Irwin, Pete and Olaf Harken, Ted Hood, Charlie Morgan, Allison Jolly, Mark Ploch, Halsey Herreshoff, Bob Johnson and Frank Butler.

The public is invited to a VIP cocktail party that kicks off the fundraiser on November 4, and a presenting sponsor is needed for this event. This gala event will feature a silent auction of items and services; more gift donations are being sought, and contributors will get significant recognition and publicity.

Sailors who want to sail their own festively-decorated yachts, regardless of size or type, can enter the 'Mother Tubber Re-gretta', sponsored by Hunter Marine, is a simple, fun race with prizes to the best, (and worst!) participants. Massey Yacht Sales will provide the grand prize - 25 cases of Heineken beer to a single winner in a random drawing of registered boats. The idea is to have fun, be seen and have a shot at the 25 cases of Heineken and other prizes.

Another major fun regatta on the 6th is the 'Boat Builder's Poker Run Regatta,' featuring yachts and teams provided by yacht manufacturers. Participants obtain poker cards at five destinations and the best poker hand at the end of the race determines the winner. There is no limit to the number of boats that enter. Each will sail past spectators who will bet on the winning boat, as its distinguishing features are pointed out by the announcer. A presenting sponsor is needed and manufacturers should register their boats with JSI's Dave Johnson, Race Chairman at 727-576-1511 or djohnson@newjsi.com.

Boat show spectators will be able to make donations to "bet" on the winners of all regattas to raise funds for All children's Hospital - and a chance to win prizes.

Sailing for Miracles is presented in partnership with Sail America and St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Frank Butler of Catalina Yachts has donated a Catalina 22 Sport, complete with sails and trailer. Hunter Marine has donated an Excite sailboat, and Island Packet provided the zippy BigFish™. Each boat will be randomly awarded to individual donors. All proceeds will benefit All Children's Hospital.

SESA encourages participation at all levels, including volunteers to assist with running these events. Those interested should contact Tom Casey, Event Chairman at 941-927-2675 or tomcat911@comcast.net. Check http://www.sailingformiracles.org/ for updates and how to make donations and purchase tickets for the cocktail reception.