2025 Melges 24 US Nationals Readies to Deliver Next-Level Sportboat Racing
©Becca Hassel / @hasselfreephotography
Pensacola, FL (October 31, 2025) - The official countdown to the 2025 US Melges 24 National Championship is underway, and in just two weeks time, teams from across the U.S. and around the world will descend on Pensacola, Florida, for one of the most anticipated events on the Class calendar.
Hosted by the renowned Pensacola Yacht Club (PYC), the event promises Gulf Coast Southern hospitality at its finest—beautiful surroundings, welcoming staff, and an atmosphere that is both relaxed and refined. The Nationals will also coincide with PYC’s famous Bushwhacker Cup, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to what will be an intense, action-packed weekend of racing.
This year’s regatta activities span five days, November 12–16, beginning with two days of check-in, followed by practice on Thursday, and three full days of Championship racing Friday through Sunday.
"The Pensacola Yacht Club is thrilled to welcome the Melges 24 fleet for the 2025 US Nationals," said Tom Pace, Regatta Chair."The Melges 24 has been a long-time club favorite, and it’s always a highlight of our racing season when we host an event such as this. With an exceptional turnout this year, we’re excited for what promises to be a spectacular event — full of competitive racing, camaraderie, and fun on- and off-the-water. The entire club is looking forward to seeing these talented teams in action."
Sunny, beautiful, and warm, PYC sits on the sparkling waters of Pensacola Bay — a location known for its reliable breeze and fast, competitive racing conditions, the kind that rewards precision in decision and teamwork. It also happens to be home to the US Navy’s Blue Angels, whose practice flights frequently sweep the skies above the regatta course, adding an extra touch of spectacle to the already electric atmosphere.
Currently, 39 teams have submitted entries, representing a broad and competitive cross-section of the North American Melges 24 fleet and beyond. The lineup includes teams from 13 U.S. states, along with competitors from Canada, Germany, Great Britain, and Puerto Rico.
In the early stages of event preparation, 11 teams have already qualified for the popular Corinthian Division, with at least 10 more expected to sign up. This all-amateur category remains one of the most fiercely contested titles in the US Melges 24 Class. Teams have until Friday, November 7, to complete their applications and confirm eligibility.
Among the Open Division entries are some of the Class’s top contenders, joined by a few new faces eager to make their mark. Dick Kalow, at the helm of Mustang, who first raced his Melges 24 in Traverse City this past August, returns with building momentum. Fleet newcomer Jeff Bonanni, racing Limelight, will put his team to the test on one of the Class’s biggest stages, while Catapult’s Joel Ronning and Synergy Sailing’s Lynsi Gibbons are both set to make their Melges 24 Class debuts.
All of these familiar elements: a deep, competitive fleet, a strong Corinthian Division, and the mix of returning and new teams are what make the US Melges 24 Nationals such a celebrated and highly anticipated event. But in 2025, it will also celebrate an important evolution of the Melges 24 racing experience, the adoption of RaceSense by Vakaros.
"We are incredibly proud to welcome Vakaros as the official technology partner of the US Melges 24 Class," said Scot Zimmerman, US Melges 24 Class President and owner of Bad Idea. "It’s a perfect pairing. Like the Melges 24 itself, RaceSense represents an innovative step forward for the Class. The Melges 24 already delivers a uniquely valuable racing experience, and RaceSense takes it to a whole new level."
"We’re talking about increased fairness, efficiency, and precision in race management," continued Zimmerman. "Everyone knows the Melges 24 is the most fun boat to sail. Now, with RaceSense integrated into the real-time racing landscape, we can maximize the number of fair, well-managed races for everyone."
Starting with the US National Championship and continuing through 2026 and beyond, all North American Sailing Series regattas will be RaceSense events, reflecting the Class’s commitment to innovation and excellence. This initiative will culminate at the 2026 US Nationals in Traverse City (August 14-16) and then, at the 2026 Melges 24 World Championship in Harbor Springs, Michigan, hosted by the Little Traverse Yacht Club on September 19-26.
With a world-class fleet, proven race management, and one of the most beautiful venues on the Gulf Coast, Pensacola is in full-on prep mode and ready to deliver another unforgettable Melges 24 US National Championship.
©Becca Hassel / @hasselfreephotography
©Becca Hassel / @hasselfreephotography
©Becca Hassel / @hasselfreephotography