The 2023 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship is all set to take place on October 6-8, hosted by the Lake Geneva Yacht Club (LGYC) in Fontana, Wisconsin — the birthplace of the Melges 24. As the Melges 24 continues celebrating its 30th anniversary, the U.S. Class anticipates this will be one of the most memorable regattas in Class history. With 26 teams already committed to race, a robust fleet of 35-40 are anticipated by the close of registration.

“The Lake Geneva Yacht Club is thrilled to host the 30th Melges 24 United States National regatta,” says Tom Freytag, LGYC Commodore. “We are looking forward to welcoming the best M24 sailors to the home of the Melges 24. LGYC members and staff pride themselves on hosting quality sailing regattas on the beautiful waters of Geneva Lake. This regatta will be an extremely enjoyable and competitive event.”

Freytag knows a lot about the Melges 24 as he is one of the first owners to enter the Class during the ‘90s, and served as the very first International Melges 24 Class Chairman from 1999-2002.

For teams that are still sitting on the fence, this is a regatta not to be missed. LGYC will be rolling out the red carpet, silver-lined with Lake Geneva hospitality culminating in a massive Melges Rocks party on Saturday night. The band has been booked since January! Weigh-in for teams takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, practice racing to follow and the championship will be decided from Friday thru Sunday.

The U.S. National Championship serves in many capacities this year. It is the official 30th anniversary regatta, but it’s also the ninth of 11 National Ranking Series events, and the final installment of the highly-popular Quantum Melges 24 Great Lakes Cup (QGLC) Series.

Happening this coming weekend, August 25-27 is the Guardians of the Great Lakes Regatta (formerly the Grand Traverse Invite). For 2023, the Coast Guard has stepped up as a major supporter bringing tons of visibility to this popular Midwest regatta. Over twenty teams are registered and ready for big time Melges 24 fun.

“We are really privileged to have the National Championship in the Midwest this year and on the 30th Anniversary of our timeless platform the Melges 24,” says Scot Zimmerman owner of Bad Idea, U.S. Class Secretary and International World Council Member. “The QGLC is THE series that warms up the class and regional fleets in preparation for Nationals this year. The Guardians of the Great Lakes Regatta in Traverse City on August 26-27 and North Americans in Toronto on September 15-17 are the path to Nationals. Bad Idea plans to participate at both events, hopefully peaking at Nationals in Lake Geneva in October.”

For Nationals, the early bird entry fee is open through late September, but don’t wait to get things together at the last minute. Competitor communications have already commenced for this regatta, so do it now. You don’t want miss a thing!

CALLING ALL CORINTHIAN TEAMS, DEADLINE TO QUALIFY IS SEPTEMBER 22
The U.S. Melges 24 Class Association is a major proponent of the all-amateur movement within the national fleet. At this time, the Nationals division is wide open with a number of former Corinthian Champions expected to compete. Needless to say it will be a very exciting championship to watch.

Follow these key links to register, check out the entry list and download the official Notice of Race:
Scoring Website
Online Registration
Entry List
Notice of Race

Stay close to the U.S. Melges 24 Class for more information about the U.S. Nationals as it becomes available. Be sure to also follow the USM4CA on social media at:
U.S. Melges 24 on Facebook
U.S. Melges 24 on Instagram
U.S. Melges 24 on YouTube

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ABOUT THE MELGES 24
The Melges 24 is best known for its competitive disposition, yet fun and easy-to-sail personality. Since its inception, it remains the leader in high-performance, one design sailing. Melges Performance Sailboats joined forces with Reichel/Pugh to deliver the ground-breaking Melges 24 in 1993. They pioneered the next frontier of competitive yacht racing by integrating high-tech materials and concepts used in the America’s Cup into a sportboat that was fun, affordable, easy to rig, set-up and tow. Named Boat of the Year in 1994 by Sailing World Magazine, it raised the bar and set the standard in the performance keelboat category. For delivery and purchasing a new Melges 24, visit melges.com.

ABOUT THE U.S. MELGES 24 NATIONAL RANKING SERIES
Organized and managed by the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USM24CA), the National Ranking Series (USM24NRS) features a total of eleven high-profile, world-class events happening across the U.S. Specifically, the Series is designed to promote participation across all six districts that make up the U.S. Melges 24 Class. To learn more about the USM24NRS, visit the Official U.S. Melges 24 National Ranking Series Website for a full list of events, results and news. The USM24CA is a recognized national class authority of the International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA), melges24.com.

For media photos (web and/or high resolution) or specific information about the U.S. Melges 24 Class or the National Ranking Series, please contact:

Joy Dunigan
U.S. Melges 24 Class Association Press Officer
Mobile: +1 (912) 398-5776