Newport to Host New Melges 24 East Coast Championship and Summer Training Series

Melges 24 sailors are invited to Newport, Rhode Island this summer for an exciting new East Coast Championship and a series of focused weekday training sessions designed to strengthen competition and fleet development in the Northeast.

The Melges 24 East Coast Championship, hosted by Sail Newport, will take place July 10–12, featuring three full days of racing in one of the most reliable summer sailing venues on the East Coast. Newport is well known for its consistent July seabreeze, with racing rarely postponed due to lack of wind. Competitors can expect a dynamic mix of inside and outside course racing, making this a standout event on the Melges 24 calendar.

Weekday Melges 24 Training Sessions in Newport
In addition to the championship, a series of weekday training sessions is being proposed to support skill development and fleet growth. These sessions are modeled after successful training held last season, led by Anthony Kotoun and joined by Laura Grondin for select dates. The focus is on boat-on-boat racing, starts, and speed, with an emphasis on allowing each team the time and space to work on specific performance priorities outside of regatta pressure.

The proposed training dates are:
• June 22
• July 6 (immediately preceding the East Coast Championship)
• July 27

Training Format and Logistics
Training sessions will generally follow a consistent weekly structure:
• Monday: Morning launch from Sail Newport, dock either at Sail Newport or other locations around the harbor; half-day on the water Monday afternoon
• Tuesday & Wednesday: Full training days
• Thursday: Reserved for independent sailing, additional practice, or boat work/haul-out as needed

Participation levels will help determine final session structure and groupings.

Local support will be available, with Mike Floyd assisting with boat storage, setup, and logistics. His familiarity with Newport and Sail Newport facilities will help streamline planning for visiting teams.

Building the Northeast Melges 24 Fleet
These efforts are part of a broader initiative to rebuild and grow Melges 24 sailing in the Northeast over the coming years, with long-term aspirations that could include hosting the Melges 24 World Championship in 2027—an event that has not been held in the region in many years.

Sailors are encouraged to share this information with other teams, as outreach is ongoing. Additional promotional support is also underway to help build momentum for this Northeast push.

Teams interested in participating or seeking more information are encouraged to reach out directly with questions. Further details and registration information will be shared soon.
Peter McClennen
Anthony Kotoun
Mike Floyd

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