News Story

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From the city of St. Petersburg, Fla.

CONTACT:
Jessica Kline, Mayor’s Office
727- 893-4111

City To Recognize America’s Cup Champion Ed Baird

St. Petersburg, Fla. (December 11, 2007) -- St. Petersburg officials will honor world sailing champion Ed Baird as a “Hometown Hero” during the Thursday, December 13 City Council meeting, recognizing his role as helmsman for the 2007 America’s Cup winner, the Swiss team’s yacht “Alinghi.”
The public is invited to join Mayor Rick Baker and St. Petersburg City Council Members in a celebration honoring Ed Baird. City officials will present him with a proclamation, a key to the city and other items during the City Council meeting at 3 p.m.
The St. Petersburg native and 1976 Boca Ciega High School graduate got his start at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center.
Career highlights include being a three-time Match Racing world champion, including being the first U.S. sailor to win the match racing world title in 1995 and then again in 2003 and 2004; being named Rolex Yachtsman of the Year in 1995; and being J-24 World Champion in 1983 and Laser World Champion in 1980.
In addition, Ed was named Sailor of the Week by US Sailing magazine in July 2007. He is part of Boca Ciega High School’s Sports Hall of Fame. He sailed in the 1976 Olympic trials in the 470-class; finished fourth in the 1984 Olympic trials for Soling class; and won the Laser and J-24 world titles and Soling class national title in 1986.

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