Weisleder Wins Charleston For Third Consecutive Time, McMillan Takes Top Corinthian Trophy
2022 Melges 24 Charleston Race Week Champion, Travis Weisleder, Lucky Dog
2022 Corinthian Melges 24 Charleston Race Week Champion, Fraser McMillan, Sunnyvale
Consistent breeze that ranged from light to medium to heavy? Check. Close competition and exciting racing across the broad spectrum of classes? Check. High-quality race committee work? Check.
Now, three-time Charleston Race Week Champion Travis Weisleder led from start to finish to earn a three-peat in the Melges 24 class. Mark Mendelblatt returned as tactician aboard Lucky Dog, which won 8 of 10 races, posting just 11 points – a whopping 23 less than runner-up and 2022 Charleston Race Week Corinthian Champion Fraser McMillan racing Sunnyvale. John Bowden, who has been racing with Weisleder for more than a decade, trimmed the headsails.
“We did a good job of staying patient. That south to southwest breeze was super-shifty with lots of holes,” Weisleder said. “Sometimes, you had to take your lumps and wait for the right opportunities.”
Weisleder attended the College of Charleston and believes his experience racing on the harbor has paid dividends at Charleston Race Week, which he considers a “home regatta.” “We know how to sail the boat well in this venue, which is so unique. I think understanding the different tide changes and back eddies and recognizing what the current does to laylines is critical.”
Lucky Dog used the regatta as a tune-up for the Melges 24 Worlds, being held May 7-15 off Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “We feel pretty good about our boat speed and handling. We have a strong team and hopefully we can contend next week,” Weisleder said.