Miami, FL – Biscayne Bay
January 18-20, 2008

The second annual Alex Caviglia Bluewater Classic returns to Miami this January, attracting top ranking  wind surfers and sailors from all abilities. They will come from around the world, allured by ideal wind and venue conditions, and the possibility of participating in a superb  inclusive regatta. Organizers anticipate over 100 contestants, including top level Formula Racers and Olympic athletes, as well as many well known sailors of keel boats for sailors with disabilities
“Miami in January is the epicenter of sailing and windsurfing during the winter,” said Jim DeSilva, owner of Liquid Surf and Sail Miami, an event sponsor. “It’s warm and sunny and 15 to 25 knots every day; you can’t beat it.”
The regatta, organized by Shake-A-Leg Miami and the Caviglia Bluewater Foundation  was created  in 2007 by Silvia Caviglia in memory of her late husband Alex, a  world-class sailor, soccer coach, business and family man. Alex  passed away in 2004 due to  complications from  traumatic  brain injuries suffered during a  kitesurfing accident, after a year-long hospitalization.  “I never stopped believing that my husband would sail again.  During the almost 10 months that he was in coma, and later while working on his re-habilitation,  my hope was to one day  find a way to help him sail and windsurf again, in spite of the devastating physical disabilities he endured.  I knew that Shake-A-Leg, with its incredible community resources would be there when the time was right”  said Silvia., president of the Caviglia Bluewater Foundation and event organizer. “Even though it was never possible for Alex to sail again, I felt compelled to approach Shake A Leg with a proposal to do this event  in my husband’s  memory and for the benefit of so many others”. This grassroots effort strives to promote awareness about traumatic brain injuries and seeks to raise the profile of the Caviglia Foundation and Shake-A-Leg Miami, who believe that water related activities such as windsurfing and sailing will empower disabled and disadvantaged persons.
Last year’s regatta was a tremendous success and a significant boost for windsurfing activities in South Florida. Participants included many of Alex’s former friends and business associates such as windsurfing formula world champion Micah Buzianis, professional windsurfing sailor Jimmy Diaz, two-time windsurfing Olympic medalist Mike Gebhardt, and windsurfing legend Robert Teriitehau.  The event was supported by registrations, donors and corporate sponsors. It raised $50,000 for Shake-A-Leg Miami and the Caviglia Bluewater Foundation.  Proceeds from the event helped Shake-A-Leg establish a brand new windsurfing program, set to begin this year. “We were able to teach close to 100 youth how to windsurf and they absolutely loved it, reports Meredith Bass Watersports Director at Shake-A-Leg Miami. “We are so excited to now transition the program to include people with disabilities learning to windsurf as well.”
The Regatta is a mix of old and new, with traditional windsurfing and sailing races, as well as an O’Pen Bic Regatta, comprised of futuristic-looking dinghies manned mostly by sailors 16 and under. The Keelboat class for disabled sailors will include teams from Sweden, Germany, Great Britain and several other countries, and for many, the Regatta will determine their placement in the 2008 Paralympics. Additionally, there will also be a first ever hybrid class, featuring Hobie Adventure Island crafts; kayak-looking vessels with pedals and a sail.
The event will kick off at on Friday, January 18, 2008 at 12:00 noon with a ribbon cutting ceremony, when the Caviglia Foundation and Shake a Leg will announce their partnership to launch  Alex Caviglia Windsurfing Program at Shake-A-Leg, including  presentation of a  prototype for  a windsurfing board and rig  for disabled sailors developed by Rev. Ross Lilley of Access Sport America. Miami Dade County Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez , City of Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and School Board member Evelyn Greer confirmed their attendance. Weather permitting, the dignitaries will experience first hand sailing with a disabled sailor.
For more information, contact Silvia Caviglia at 305 804 2752 or Meredith Bass at 305-205-4578. Also please visit www.shakealegmiami.org or www.cavigliafoundation.org.