Winter fades and the Melges 24 season comes roaring to life February 13–15, 2026, as the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series returns to St. Petersburg, hosted by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Serving as the Melges 24 Midwinter Championship, the regatta officially launches the 2026 North American Sailing Series while continuing the momentum of the Southeast Racing Series.

With the support of the US Melges 24 Class Association, which will provide the necessary race committee units, Vakaros RaceSense technology will be used for both the Melges 24 and J/70 fleets at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Petersburg. 

The Southeast District enters the 2026 Melges 24 season with strong momentum, expanding participation, and a well-balanced racing calendar. With solid early turnout, new teams joining the fleet, and increased investment across programs, the region is positioned for a competitive and engaging year of racing at both the club and championship levels.

All teams planning to race in St. Petersburg for the opening event of the 2026 Sailing World Regatta Series are invited to kick off their week with a free Melges 24 Clinic, hosted by Team Gamecock in partnership with Quantum Sails. Open to all teams, the clinic features hands-on coaching, practice racing, and rig tuning guidance from top sailors, including 2025 North American champion Peter McClennen. Join us for structured practice and dockside debriefs to sharpen your Melges 24 performance on Tampa Bay.