Race Report by Jaime Torres / Smile and Wave - With nine Melges 24s on the membership roster at Davis Island Yacht Club, one-design keelboat racing is on the upswing in Tampa Bay. Fleet Captain John Paulson welcomed 11 teams for the first annual 24s of Summer Regatta, marking the beginning of many U.S. Melges 24 Class events planned at the club for 2024 and beyond.

PRO Paul Leonard and his team of experienced race officials oversaw five races across two days of light and shifty air. The racing was extremely close, with chaotic mark roundings as laylines shifted on competitors who were often just meters apart. The out-of-towners schooled the local fleet, but the competition was fierce, with only one point separating the top three places.

Long-time class measurer Gary Schwarting from Naples, skippering Obsession with family and friends as crew, won 1st place by a single point over early regatta leader Davis Macleod from Lake Lanier on Hook’Em, who won the tie-breaker on countback over Brian Wynne's Trim Reaper from New Orleans, LA. New-to-class sailor Seth Rosenthal from DIYC secured a strong 4th place finish, notable for his crew’s epic effort to get his boat delivered and race-ready at the last minute. Obsession will be the first name engraved on the 24s of Summer Perpetual Trophy, donated by sponsor 82°W Distilling, who kept the party going with free and delicious post-racing rum drinks each afternoon.

The "WTF-HOWCHUDUDAT" award went to Smile and Wave, who, despite being off the racing pace, narrowly averted disaster when they caught their mast just before it crashed into the deck after losing a forestay pin. Quick crew work and a sharp turn downwind saved the day, allowing them to continue racing.

After Saturday's race, we enjoyed a fantastic debrief in the pool, discussing the challenging light air conditions and the tactics that helped the leaders power their 24s through the water. The highlight of the night was Josie Stanley from Hermes winning the relay swim competition! A huge shoutout to race-influencer Nadia Daggett for her massive behind-the-scenes effort in organizing the event, and to the host, Davis Island Yacht Club, for their warm hospitality.

Before the weekend concluded, Melges SE District Governor Tony Stanley announced the exciting launch of a new Melges 24 Southeast Race Series, soon to be officially confirmed. John Paulson also announced plans for a 2025 DIYC Melges 24 Ranking Series, signaling the class’s solid comeback in the region. Stay tuned for dates and even more competitive Melges 24 sailing ahead.

Full Results