The January Bacardi Regattas Newsletter outlines key planning information as teams prepare for the 2026 regatta season in Miami. The update highlights the use of Vakaros RaceSense technology for all events, early bird registration deadlines, required boat storage for Melges 24 competitors, partner hotel accommodations, and general logistics to ensure a smooth on-site experience.
Read MoreWorld Sailing is currently experiencing technical issues with its online Sailor Categorization system. As a result, all new, renewal, and World Sailing ID plus categorization applications are being processed manually.
Read MoreOn September 19–26, 2026, the global Melges 24 fleet will converge on Harbor Springs, Michigan, for the International Class’s premier event, the World Championship, hosted by the Little Traverse Yacht Club (LTYC). Following the award-winning 2024 World Championship in San Francisco—where The San Francisco Yacht Club received U.S. Sailing’s prestigious St. Petersburg Yacht Club Trophy for Outstanding Regatta Management—the 2026 event aims to build on that benchmark and deliver an exceptional championship experience in Harbor Springs.
Read MoreThis is the first of several communications that teams will receive over the next few days to help them prepare for competition in Miami at the North American Championship (NAC). While many of these items may already be familiar to teams, please read over these general housekeeping points very carefully.
Read MoreThe International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA), in conjunction with the U.S. and Canadian Melges 24 Class Associations, has issued the official Notice of Series (NoS) for the 2026 North American Sailing Series, formally confirming the events included in the Series and outlining key updates to the overall championship structure.
Read MoreSan Francisco Bay rewarded the Melges 24 fleet with an outstanding weekend of racing on December 13–14, as conditions far exceeded the early forecasts. What was expected to be a light-air regatta instead evolved into two days of ideal Bay sailing, with pressure steadily building into the upper range and boats flirting with planing conditions.
Read MoreThe Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series returns to St. Petersburg, Florida, February 13–15, 2026, hosted by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. This highly anticipated event serves as the Melges 24 Midwinters, launches the 2026 North American Sailing Series, and continues the momentum of the Melges 24 Southeast Racing Series.
Read MoreOnline registration is now open for the DIYC Commodore’s Cup, the regatta that proudly kicks off the 2026 Melges 24 Southeast Racing Series. Hosted by Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa, Florida, this two-day event will take place January 17–18, 2026. Sailors are encouraged to register early. DIYC is looking forward to welcoming the fleet for great racing on the water and fun shoreside events on Saturday evening.
Read MoreThe International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA) in coordination with the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USM24CA), and the Canadian Melges 24 Class Association (CM24CA) are pleased to unveil the initial lineup for the 2026 North American Sailing Series (NASS) schedule of racing events.
Read MoreThe 2026 U.S. Melges 24 National Championship is set for August 14–16 in Traverse City. While full regatta details are forthcoming, participating teams need to act on securing dockage right now.
Read MoreOnline registration for Charleston Race Week at Patriot’s Point is now officially open, with six Melges 24 teams already signed up. The 2026 edition will be especially memorable as the regatta celebrates its 30th anniversary, a milestone for an event unlike any other.
Read MoreThe 2025 North American Sailing Series (NASS) has boasted a highly competitive season spanning nearly ten events. With nine of ten events now complete, the standings are astonishingly tight — so tight, in fact, that the overall title will ultimately be decided at the forthcoming North American Championship (NAC), held during Bacardi Winter Series No. 1 on January 23–25, 2026 in Miami.
Read MoreThe 2025 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship in Pensacola, FL, delivered an exceptionally robust fleet, showcasing top-level talent in both the Open and Corinthian divisions. The racing was thrilling, the competition intense, and the memories made on and off the water were unforgettable. It’s exactly what owners and sailors have come to expect from this incredible sportboat class.
Read MoreThe International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA) has announced major leadership updates and key championship decisions following its World Council Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 22. After six years of dedicated service, Laura Grondin (USA) has stepped down as Chair, with the World Council electing Duncan Stamper (CAN) to lead the iconic Melges 24 class into its next chapter.
Read MoreThe November Bacardi Winter Series newsletter is now available, offering a comprehensive look ahead to the 2026 regatta season in Miami. Inside, sailors will find key details on registration, RaceSense, storage options, hotel accommodations, and overall event logistics to help plan for a seamless winter of racing.
Read MoreA full round of congratulations is in order for Cuyler Morris’ Dark Horse, as he and tactician Manu Weiller, Charlie Smythe, Dean Curtis, and Mark Ivey—are the new U.S. Melges 24 National Champions. John Shockey’s Wombmates Racing clinched the Corinthian U.S. National Championship title.
Read MoreAnother beautiful day on Pensacola Bay set the stage for Day Two of the 2025 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship, hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club. Despite what looked like a more promising breeze as teams left the dock, Saturday’s light air forecast held steadfast and true. Three additional races were completed, bringing the total to six, activating a discard of each team’s worst score.
Read MoreThe opening day of the 2025 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship, hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club delivered picture-perfect conditions on Pensacola Bay. Light air in the 5–7 knot range, gentle shifts, and a strong early-day current kept every team on their toes. Despite the challenging conditions, Race Committee PRO Hal Smith and his team executed a textbook day on the water, delivering three premium races and setting the tone for an outstanding championship weekend.
Read MoreAfter two full days of boat unpacking, rig tuning, splashing, and on-the-water practice, the fleet is officially settled in Pensacola Bay and ready for tomorrow’s opening day of the 2025 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship, hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club. Spirits have been high all week as nearly forty teams arrived, checked in, and moved through a steady rhythm of preparation and anticipation.
Read MoreWith the start of the 2025 U.S. Melges 24 National Championship just days away, 40 teams from all across the North American continent and beyond are on the move. Over the last couple of weeks, competitors have been finalizing every detail. From crew compliance and organization to sails, logistics, and measurement, they are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most competitive national championships held in recent years.
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