Three races, three different winners, and a tight leaderboard opened the 2026 Melges 24 World Championship in Harbor Springs. Peter McClennen’s Gamecock leads overall after day one, while Norway’s Team Bagdad Prospects Helly Hansentops the Corinthian standings on a tie-break.

Preparations are complete, the practice race is in the books, and an international fleet packed with World Champions, proven campaigns and top-level talent is ready to battle for the 2026 Melges 24 World Championship titles on Little Traverse Bay.

Thirty of the 52 teams entered in the 2026 Melges 24 World Championship will compete in the Corinthian division. Defending champions, leading North American contenders, first-time Worlds teams and emerging young sailors will converge on Little Traverse Bay in pursuit of the Challenge Henri Samuel Trophy.

With the 2026 Melges 24 World Championship just days away, Harbor Springs is preparing to welcome the world. Little Traverse Yacht Club members, volunteers, sponsors, community partners and local businesses are working together to bring an international fleet and a spectacular week of racing to Little Traverse Bay.