Melges IC37 Class at the New York Yacht Club 175th Anniversary Regatta - Day 1

2019 New York Yacht Club 175th Anniversary Regatta © Melges Performance Sailboats

Newport turned on the glamor for the first day of racing at the New York Yacht Club 175th Anniversary Regatta, providing pristine conditions for the Melges IC37 Fleet. Teams completed three races in sunshine, a building sea-breeze, and among the biggest fleet the Class has had together on the starting line thus far.

This event marks another milestone for the Melges IC37 Class in many ways. Most notably, it's the final opportunity both for New York Yacht Club members to stake their claim to the Club's berth at the 2019 New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup and measure up against the fleet before the inaugural Melges IC37 U.S. National Championship in September.

With the title "best-in-class" still up for grabs, the New York Yacht Club berth on the line, and the opportunity to put their skills to the test against the biggest Melges IC37 Fleet on the water yet, sailors were more eager than ever to hop back in the boat and under the regatta tent.

All 21 teams, each determined to command the race course, wrestled their way through competitive starts and tight-knit mark roundings while relishing the thrilling sailing in between.

Proving that preparation and teamwork are the keys to success, Blazer, helmed by Christopher Culver, tops the leaderboard after Race Day 1 with the fleet right on their heels.

"Going into the event, we were mindful that it's a long regatta," Blazer crew member Bianca Rom shared. "We prepared for this event by talking about how to minimize mistakes and sail clean, both of which will be integral to success this week. Today we felt that having the ability to sail in clear air right off the line helped us set the foundation for some solid finishes."

A mere 4 points behind, teams Double Jointed, Qubit, and Impetuous V sit in a three-way tie for second place.

The most standout sailors who wore the biggest grins on the water were John Brim's crew Rima37, Das Blau Max lead by all four members of the Sertl family, and father-son duo Kyle and Hugo Lyman sailing with Yonder.

After a fun day on the water, Melges IC37 teams headed back to the lawn at the New York Yacht Club for this evening's social and awards presentation - continuing their summer-long fiesta with their fellow class members.

For more results and event information, visit nyyc.org/175th-anniversary-regatta