2023 Melges 24 U.S. Nationals promises epic event celebrating 30 years of Melges 24 racing
by U.S. Melges 24 Class Association 22 Aug 18:01 BST
October 6-8, 2023
Melges 24 U.S. Nationals © U.S. Melges 24 Class Association
The 2023 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship is all set to take place on October 6-8, hosted by the Lake Geneva Yacht Club (LGYC) in Fontana, Wisconsin — the birthplace of the Melges 24.
As the Melges 24 continues celebrating its 30th anniversary, the U.S. Class anticipates this will be one of the most memorable regattas in its history. With 27 teams already committed to race, a robust fleet of 35-40 are anticipated by the close of registration.
"The Lake Geneva Yacht Club is thrilled to host the 30th Melges 24 United States National regatta," says Tom Freytag, LGYC Commodore. "We are looking forward to welcoming the best M24 sailors to the home of the Melges 24. LGYC members and staff pride themselves on hosting quality sailing regattas on the beautiful waters of Lake Geneva. This regatta will be an extremely enjoyable and competitive event."
Freytag knows a lot about the Melges 24 as he is one of the first owners to enter the Class during the '90s, and served as its very first International Melges 24 Class Chairman from 1999-2002.
For teams that are still sitting on the fence, this is a regatta not to be missed. LGYC will be rolling out the red carpet, silver-lined with Lake Geneva hospitality culminating in a massive Melges Rocks party on Saturday night. The band has been booked since January!
Weigh-in for teams takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, practice racing to follow, and the championship will be decided from Friday thru Sunday.
The U.S. National Championship serves in many capacities this year. It is the official 30th anniversary regatta, but it's also the ninth of 11 National Ranking Series events, and the final installment of the highly-popular Quantum Melges 24 Great Lakes Cup (QGLC) Series.
Happening this coming weekend, August 25-27 is the Guardians of the Great Lakes Regatta (formerly the Grand Traverse Invite). For 2023, the Coast Guard has stepped up as a major supporter bringing tons of visibility to this popular Midwest regatta. Over twenty teams are registered and ready for big time Melges 24 fun.
"We are really privileged to have the National Championship in the Midwest this year and on the 30th Anniversary of our timeless platform the Melges 24," says Scot Zimmerman owner of Bad Idea, U.S. Class Secretary and International World Council Member. "The QGLC is THE series that warms up the Class and regional fleets in preparation for Nationals this year. The Guardians of the Great Lakes Regatta in Traverse City on August 26-27, and North Americans in Toronto on September 15-17 are the path to Nationals. Bad Idea plans to participate at both events, hopefully peaking at Nationals in Lake Geneva in October."
For Nationals, the early bird entry fee is open through late September, but don't wait to get things together at the last minute. Competitor communications have already commenced for this regatta, so do it now. You don't want miss a thing!
Calling all Corinthian teams, deadline to qualify is September 22
The U.S. Melges 24 Class Association is a major proponent of the all-amateur movement within the national fleet. At this time, the Nationals division is wide open with a number of former Corinthian Champions expected to compete. Needless to say it will be a very exciting championship to watch.