Melges 24 magic at Charleston Race Week
by U.S. Melges 24 Class Association 9 Apr 10:31 BST
8-11 April 2021
For the Melges 24, there is nothing quite like the anticipation of Charleston Race Week. It has become a massive, highlight event that elevates the level of fun and competition so high, it is powerful enough to set the momentum for the entire racing season.
For 2021, the Melges 24 makes a grand entrance as the largest fleet in attendance. Thirty-four teams are fired-up and ready to race, just itching to get on that starting line and GO!
Among the top competitors participating are defending Champion Travis Weisleder on Lucky Dog, Bruce Ayres' Monsoon, Brian Porter on Full Throttle, Bora Gulari on New England Ropes and KC Shannon's Shaka. Each has experienced previous success in Charleston, and they are back looking for victory.
The all-amatuer division in Charleston never disappoints. Heated competition is on the agenda between defending Corinthian Champion Megan Ratliff with her brother Hunter steering Decorum, and some of their toughest opponents such as Roger Counihan's Jaws, Steve Suddath's 3 half Men, Tony Stanley on Hermes, and Michael Lenkeit with his great friend William Morang at the helm of Rapscallion.
The Melges 24 Class is always thrilled to welcome and foster a little slice of the future of sailing. A vibrant array of talented youth sailing teams will join the fleet in Charleston.
Two teams are representing Oakcliff Sailing (Andres Guerra and Ethan Johnson), two more from ONE degrees15 Brooklyn Sail Club (Kerry Gendron and James Hannah), one entry from Lake Lanier Sailing Club (Davis McLeod), and another from the Mudratz club. The young and aspiring Bridgette Croke (below) also returns in 2021 at the helm of her dad's (Patrick Croke) Melges 24 Crazy Train.
In a fleet 34 strong, there will be one competitor greatly missed this year. Charleston was one of his most favorite regattas. George Haynie, past Treasurer for the U.S. Melges 24 Class, owner of USA-687 Firewater passed unexpectedly last week. George had been in the Melges 24 fleet for as long as anyone can remember. He was deeply passionate about the Melges 24, so kind and generous with his time. We will miss him and his great big smile. This one's for you George!
More information:
Gold Cup is back, April 13-15
After the World Championship had to be, unfortunately, cancelled due to circumstances beyond the Class' control, the fleet bounced back with an alternate event — the resurrection of the Gold Cup Regatta. Eleven teams have registered for what will be a fun, relaxed, yet intense event. As if one weekend of sailing in Charleston is not enough, here comes the fantastic Gold Cup where the Melges 24s will have the harbor all to themselves!
View the event on Yachtscoring