Missed the Tips & Tuning Webinar? Watch and Learn Race-Winning Insights from Top Sailors and Coaches
26 March 2026 — The International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA) recently hosted an engaging Melges 24 Tips & Tuning Webinar, bringing together sailors from across the fleet for an in-depth discussion focused on performance, technique, and race-winning details.
With more than 200 sailors registered in just a matter of days, the strong turnout underscored the continued demand within the class for practical, experience-driven knowledge. The session featured an outstanding panel of top sailors and coaches, including Dave Hughes, Giovanna Micol, Nigel Young, Mike Marshall, Chris Larson, and Allan Terhune Jr.—a group representing decades of high-level experience within the Melges 24 Class.
Moderated by Marshall, the discussion centered on the key elements that define performance in today’s Melges 24 fleet. From rig tuning and sail selection to crew coordination, communication, and handling across a wide range of conditions, a consistent theme was delivered throughout emphasizing the importance of fundamentals, in particular, maintaining proper heel angle, executing precise crew movement, and adapting dynamically to shifting conditions on the racecourse.
The panel shared actionable insights into both upwind and downwind performance, illustrating how small adjustments in weight placement, sail trim, and rig settings can produce meaningful gains. Of particular value was the focus on helping Corinthian teams better understand the core building blocks of speed and how to close the gap to the front of the fleet.
The interactive format generated strong engagement, with a wide range of questions submitted during the session. These have since been compiled into a dedicated Q&A resource, offering an additional layer of insight for teams looking to refine their approach heading into the season.
For those who were unable to attend live or who want to revisit key takeaways, the full webinar recording is now available online, along with the complete Q&A.
This webinar is part of the IM24CA’s ongoing commitment to supporting sailor development, strengthening fleet connectivity, and elevating performance across all levels of competition.
Sailors are encouraged to watch the recording and explore the Q&A here:
https://www.melges24.com/how-to-guides-expertise
As the 2026 season ramps up across North America, this session provides timely, high-value insight for teams preparing for a full calendar of racing, including key championship events later this year.