*Anthony Kotoun races Stepping Razor, 2024 Melges 24 Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point Champion. ©Joy Dunigan / USM24CA*

Charleston, SC, USA - 23 April 2024 - The picturesque backdrop of Charleston, South Carolina, played host to the spectacle of Charleston Race Week 2024, where the salty breeze and the thrill of competition filled the air. The 180 boats in sixteen classes were vying for victory. A newcomer in the Melges 24 class emerged triumphant, etching his name into the annals of CRW history.

Anthony Kotoun, a fresh face in the Melges 24 scene, seized the spotlight with his debut performance at Charleston Race Week. Steering his brand-new vessel, the Stepping Razor, Kotoun navigated the challenging waters with finesse and skill, clinching the coveted title amidst a field brimming with talent.

The allure of Charleston Race Week extends far beyond the thrill of victory; it's a gathering of kindred spirits, a celebration of camaraderie, and a testament to the enduring passion for sailing. Against the backdrop of Patriots Point, sailors, families, and friends converged for their first major regatta of the year, relishing in the opportunity to escape the cold, reconnect with old friends, and embark on a new season of sailing adventures.

*Bora Gulari, Kingspoke ©Joy Dunigan / USM24CA*

In the fiercely contested Melges 24 fleet, seasoned veterans and promising newcomers clashed in a battle of wits and wills. Olympian Bora Gulari, at the helm of Kingspoke, showcased his prowess alongside Kotoun, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown on the water. Three-time Charleston Race Week Champion Travis Weisleder was helming Lucky Dog with his crew, including four-time Olympian Charlie Ogletree.

For Kotoun and his crew aboard Stepping Razor, victory was not merely a triumph of skill, but a testament to teamwork, strategy, and unwavering determination. Guided by tactician Nevin Snow, the team navigated the unpredictable winds and shifting tides with precision, emerging victorious with a stellar performance that left their competitors in their wake. Besides Kotoun and Snow, the winning team was packed with the talent of Aiden Naughten, Mark Spearman, and Elizabeth Whitner.

*William Morang races Rapscallion, 2024 Corinthian Melges 24 Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point Champion. ©Joy Dunigan / USM24CA*

Reflecting on their journey to victory, Snow remarked, “The last few days were really challenging. We had a sea breeze fighting the land breeze, so it was unclear what was going to happen. Our plan based on what we could see upwind was just to stay close to the top competitors and shift to one side or the other based on what we thought was going to come at us. We kept a level-head, and we had great team chemistry in our first event together.”

Bora Gulari’s Kingspoke, with Norman Berge, Nick Ford, and Carlos Robles, was second on the podium, a mere three points behind Stepping Razor. Flying Jenny, helmed by Sandra Askew, claimed third place with 16 points.

The Corinthian spirit shone brightly as well. The trophy went to Rapscallion packed with Williams - William Morang, William Thran, and William Paschal, plus Jeff Irvine and Parker Thran. Smile and Waves of Jaime Torres was the second Corinthian, and Crazy Train of Patrick Croke completed the Corinthian podium.

Full Results

Stepping Razor Slices Through Competition: Kotoun Claims Charleston Race Week Title