Audi Melges 20 Nationals at Sperry Charleston Race Week - Preview
by International Audi Melges 20 Class Association 29 Mar 2015 12:07 BST
16-19 April 2015
Audi Melges 20 start race 3 on day 1 at 2014 Sperry-Top Sider Charleston Race Week © JOY / International Audi Melges 20 Class Association
When Sperry Charleston Race Week gets under way next month (April 16-19), there will a lot at stake for most of the competitors. And for the sailors competing in the Melges 20 fleet, even more will be on the line. The officers of the Audi Melges 20 Class have chosen to stage their 2015 national championship regatta as part of the event.
When asked why the class opted to select Sperry Charleston Race Week as the venue for its U.S. Nationals, International Class President Rob Wilber was quick to respond. "The answer is quite simple. Charleston Race Week is the premiere showcase and it fosters the fun of one-design racing in the Audi Melges 20 Class. So, from that perspective, it is the perfect choice for one of our marquee North American events. And, off the water, well, the night life on King Street is not so bad either! It's all fun in Charleston!"
Nearly 30 teams are expected to compete in the event, traveling from as far away as Ontario, Canada and Belvedere, Calif. Among those crews will be Michael Bacio's Kiss team out of Miami, Fla., hot off a win at the 37-boat Miami Midwinter Series in February. Several teams are expected to challenge Bacio's crew, including Jason Michas' Midnight Blue team out of Long Island, NY. Michas and his fellow argonauts emerged victorious in the 31-boat Miami Midwinter Series in December.
All of the teams that materialize to vie for the national championship will be treated to superb race management. The organizers of Charleston Race Week customarily import the most experienced race officers to manage the activity on the water. In addition, this regatta has hosted class championships in the past, including the a national and North American championship for the Melges 24 Class, a U.S. championship for the Audi Melges 20 Class, and a North American championship for the J/24 Class.
Sperry Charleston Race Week will celebrate its 20th edition this year. For additional information about the event, log on to www.charlestonraceweek.com