Melges 24 class enters 'Nationals Season' with Canadian & U.S. Championships ahead
by U.S. Melges 24 Class Association 2 Sep 2025 16:55 BST
September 5-7 & 12-16, 2025
Fast, sleek, and fiercely contested—from powerful starts to tight fleet racing at the forthcoming National Championships in Canada and the U.S.A., the Melges 24 delivers the best one-design competition across North America © Christopher Lamb / Grand Traverse Yacht Club
As the North American sailing season winds toward its close, the Melges 24 Class is gearing up for a thrilling run of national championship regattas. It begins with the Canadian National Championship taking place September 5-7, and then the U.S. National Championship set for November 12-16.
The stage is set for an exciting end to 2025 that points the fleet toward the new year in Miami.
Canadian Nationals — September 5-7, Southport Sailing Club, Ontario
The Canadian National Championship is currently set to welcome 15 Melges 24s to the line, with entries ranging from the USA, to Puerto Rico, and of course a strong Canadian contingent. Hosted by Southport Sailing Club in Ontario, the championship kicks off with registration and check-in on Thursday, September 4, followed by three days of racing Friday through Sunday.
This year's Canadian Nationals also serves as the grand finale of the Quantum Great Lakes Cup Series, with overall champions to be crowned at the conclusion of the event. Quantum Sails — title sponsor of the series for the fifth consecutive year, continues to be instrumental in supporting the Melges 24 class.
"As we close out another incredible season, the Class is especially grateful for Quantum's unwavering support," said U.S. Melges 24 Class President Scot Zimmerman, owner of Bad Idea. "Their partnership has always been about fostering competition and ensuring every team can perform at their best. Having Quantum with us as title sponsor year after year is something we're truly proud of."
Heading into the finale, series leader Dan Berezin at the helm of Surprise holds the top spot in the standings, followed by Steve Boho's The 300 in second, and Zimmerman in third. Close behind are Eric Vigrass's Tomfoolery and Jamie Torres' Smile and Wave, making the battle for the overall series championship wide open. Full Results
U.S. Nationals — November 12-16, Pensacola Yacht Club, Florida
Just two months later, the fleet heads south for the U.S. National Championship hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club. Nineteen boats are currently registered including American, Canadian, and even a German entry. The 2025 Nationals promises one of the most diverse and competitive fleets of the year.
- Registration and practice racing will be held Wednesday and Thursday, November 12-13.
- The Opening Ceremony takes place on Thursday evening.
- Three days of Championship racing are scheduled Friday—Sunday, up to 12 races scheduled.
The U.S. Nationals will also run alongside PYC's legendary Bushwhacker Cup, making for a lively shoreside scene. The last Melges 24 Nationals in Pensacola (2022) delivered world-class racing and unmatched hospitality, and this year's edition promises more of the same — competitive racing on a short, accessible racecourse paired with affordable, sailor-friendly regatta amenities.
Teams still considering entry into the U.S. Nationals are encouraged to secure their spots now. With a competitive fleet, strong international representation, and Pensacola's famed hospitality, this is a championship no Melges 24 sailor will want to miss.
In between the two national championship engagements, the Class will gather for additional key events. The Fall Championship at Lake Geneva Yacht Club will take place October 4-5, bringing the fleet back to one of its most storied venues.
As teams migrate south in anticipation of the U.S. Nationals, the schedule includes the 24's of Summer Regatta at Davis Island Yacht Club on October 18-19. This is a full-fledged regatta but also serving as both a training and tuning opportunity, as it offers teams valuable time on the water while also offering a chance to mix and mingle with fellow Melges 24 owners ahead of the November championship showdown in Pensacola.
Momentum toward 2026
These back-to-back championships set the tone for what's next: the Melges 24 North American Championship, hosted in Miami during Bacardi Winter Series 1 on January 23-25, 2026. With energy building across North America, the fleet is poised for an outstanding finish to 2025 and an even bigger kickoff to 2026.
Registration quick links: