New rules for the Melges 24 class
by Mauro Melandri - Zerogradinord & PIret Salmistu 14 Dec 2024 16:27 GMT
An iconic image comes to mind for any Melges 24 enthusiast: four crew members hiking out while the helmsman, alone in the cockpit, steers with the rudder in one hand and the mainsheet in the other.
Soon, this quintessential scene might evolve as new rules and trends reshape what has long been the standard for Melges 24 sailing.
On the one hand, rule changes—such as removing the weight limit and allowing up to six crew members—introduce fresh possibilities. On the other hand, a budding trend is redefining how crews approach sailing this timeless one-design.
A Legacy Worth Remembering
Before diving in, it's worth recalling that the Melges 24, designed by Reichel-Pugh in 1992 and recognised by the World Sailing as the International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA) in 1997, stands among one of the most competitive and widespread one-design classes globally. It's the class where the best in the sport have faced off and where international sailing hierarchies are often established.
Weight Limit? No More!
For years, the crew weight limit was a source of stress—and, at times, comedy—for many teams. Stories abound of sailors jogging in full foul-weather gear to shed a few kilos before the dreaded weigh-in.
Initially capped at 360 kg, the limit was raised to 375 kilograms in 2012 to reflect societal changes and to accommodate more efficient, stiffer sails. As well, because too many teams were in the habit of weighing in pre-regatta at the weight limit of 360 kg, having "dipped" to reach that figure, but then sailing in the regatta at around (and often over) 375 kg. This rule change resulted in class racing under a more precise and healthier rule, with all the teams much closer in weight on the water in a way that would not affect performance.
Random weight checks during the events were still fundamental to Melges 24 racing. The proposals to lose or raise the weight limit by 10 or 20 kg have failed since 2017 and were never approved by the IM24CA World Council. Specifically, the World Council voted to keep the 375 kg limit in 2018. Later, the random weigh-ins during events were discontinued to avoid extreme dieting before and during the events, losing the fun and relaxation from the regattas. Eventually, the decision was overturned at the end of 2023, and crew weight limits were officially removed in early 2024.
IM24CA Technical Committee led by Mike Gozzard (CAN) did a great job explaining all the aspects of the weight rule amendments, and an open discussion by the Technical Committee with the class members led the World Council to vote in favour of removing the weight limit after the 30-year history of the boat.
The IM24CA board, led by Chairman Laura Grondin, received overwhelming support for the change. Owners welcomed the newfound freedom to assemble their ideal teams and focus solely on performance and boat handling.
Some weight-related nuances remain: To comply with class rules, sailors involved in crew changes during an event must match the weights declared (the substitute must be within +/—10% of the original crew member). This makes pre-race weight declarations necessary at class events.
A deeper look at the data from the 2024 World Championship in San Francisco and the European Championship in Split reveals trends: Convexity, helmed by Dan Wilson, the reigning World Champion, registered a crew weight of 396.3 kg. Ante Cesic's Razjaren, the European Champion, came in slightly lighter at 394 kg. Across the top three teams in each event, average weights hovered around 390-400 kg, with a sweet spot appearing just under 395 kg.
Six Crew Members? Yes. Four Legs In? Not Forbidden!
To promote inclusivity—welcoming family teams and younger sailors—the IM24CA clarified a rule in May 2024 limiting the crew from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 6 persons. While not forbidden earlier, the possibility of a six-person crew, combined with the weight-rule elimination, was well-received, with several teams embracing it during the season. Five teams, representing roughly 12% of the fleet, sailed with six-member crews at the European Championship in Split.
Video interview on YouTube: Maxi Kussatz, a member of Benjamin Off's R2-D2 GER653 team, tells us how happy and content their team is because of the weight limit removal and the flexibility and better options it gives many teams.
Separately, some teams are experimenting with a different configuration permitted under class rules: having two sailors sit with their legs inboard while the others hike out. This setup allows the helmsman to focus entirely on steering, often delegating mainsail trimming to the tactician. Proponents claim this configuration enhances communication and performance. Notably, Cuyler Morris' Dark Horse achieved a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Europeans using this approach, while IM24CA Chair Laura Grondin also achieved a near podium finish at the 2023 Worlds in Middelfart, and Alessandro Rombelli's Stig delivered solid results with a similar setup at the 2022 Europeans in Genoa.
International Melges 24 Class Chief Measurer Branko Parunov commented on these improvements: "Someone once said that class rules should be changed with a trembling hand—a sentiment we wholeheartedly embrace. While rules provide the foundation of a top-tier one-design class, evolution is inevitable: new materials are developed, sailing techniques advance, and trends shift. As trailblazers in the sailing world, it's our responsibility to adapt thoughtfully while preserving the essence of the Melges 24. Rules are not immutable; when change is necessary, it should be approached with care and a deep understanding of its implications. Fortunately, adjustments are reversible, ensuring that the class continues to thrive and evolve while honoring its legacy."
Second-Hand or New: The Melges 24 Market
The Melges 24's second-hand market remains vibrant. Boats with proven pedigrees—identifiable by their triple bow numbers—are highly sought after and change hands quickly. While boats with a winning history command premium prices, success in this one-design class ultimately depends on crew skill and boat handling.
Second-hand prices reflect age but remain affordable, with low depreciation and excellent value retention. For those seeking brand-new boats, Melges Performance Sailboats (USA) and Hein Ruyten One Design (Netherlands) supply new builds and parts for North America and Europe.
With the 2025 World Championship set for Trieste, Italy—an easily accessible Southern European location on the Adriatic—anticipation is already building. As the new season begins, it will be exciting to see which teams roll out the 871 and subsequent new hull numbers.