Weisleder Atop the 2021 National Ranking After Two Events, Gold Cup Begins
After his big win at the 2021 Charleston Race Week Regatta, Travis Weisleder and his Lucky Dog team are atop the U.S. Melges 24 National Ranking Series leaderboard after two events. View 2021 NRS Results, After Two Events
Trailing not too far behind is Bora Gulari on New England Ropes and Laura Grondin’s Dark Energy. Along with ten other teams, both are registered for the Gold Cup happening April 13-15 (Tues.-Thurs.).
This timeframe was originally set aside for conducting the 2021 Melges 24 World Championship, but due to changes in NIE (National Interest Exception) policies implemented in early March 2021, the IM24CA was forced to cancel the event.
In its place, the Gold Cup has been resurrected. Historically, it is a marquee-statured event that comes with prestige, and for twelve, fully-warmed-up and ready-to-go teams, they will have Charleston Harbor all to themselves.
Top teams hope to be transferring Charleston Race Week energy and vibes over to Gold Cup competition against Corinthian Steve Suddath’s 3 1/2 Men, local favorite Thomas Loutrel on Choppy Seas, Sandra Askew’s Flying Jenny and 2019 U.S. National Champion Michael Goldfarb on Warcanoe.
Adding to what will be just an ‘all-out-fun’ regatta, throw in three youth sailing teams for good measure — Kerry Gendron and James Hannah representing ONE15 Brooklyn Sail Club, and Jack Derry heading up the Mudratz effort on Opportunity.