Melges 24 Class Expands Schedule with New Florida Space Coast Event
MERRITT ISLAND, FL — Melges is thrilled to announce that the Melges Watersports Center will host the first-ever Melges 24 event in Merritt Island, Florida, December 11–13, 2026. The event will be co-hosted with Port Canaveral Yacht Club, bringing the Melges 24 class to Florida’s Space Coast for a weekend of one-design racing.
With the Melges 24 fleet looking to expand its event calendar and the proven success of the Melges Watersports Center as a premier racing destination, the partnership was a natural fit. By partnering with Port Canaveral Yacht Club, we are able to introduce a new chapter of ocean racing to Florida’s Space Coast.
“We’re excited to welcome the Melges 24 class to the beautiful Space Coast,” said Cate Muller-Terhune, co-owner of Melges. “We’ve seen tremendous success hosting the Melges 15 & Melges 19 Winter Series events here in Merritt Island, and we’re excited to bring that same energy, hospitality, and world-class racing experience to the Melges 24 fleet.”
“By partnering with Port Canaveral Yacht Club, we’re able to make this event possible.” continued Muller-Terhune. “Their facilities and location provide an incredible opportunity for the Melges 24 fleet to experience something new while enjoying everything the Space Coast has to offer.”
The event will take advantage of everything both host venues have to offer. Competitors will utilize Port Canaveral Yacht Club’s crane facilities for launching, providing direct access to the ocean. The partnership between Port Canaveral Yacht Club and Melges Watersports Center will offer sailors a seamless experience both on and off the water.
"We're excited to add the Melges Watersports Center to the schedule and partner with Melges and Port Canaveral Yacht Club to bring this new event to our fleet," said Geoff Fargo, President of the U.S. Melges 24 Class, and owner of Sentinel. "This event will give Melges 24 owners the opportunity to experience an exciting new venue. Coming at the close of a busy racing calendar and just ahead of the 2027 winter circuit, it provides the perfect chance to come together for great racing in a relaxed atmosphere, reconnect as a fleet, recharge after a demanding season, and build momentum for the months ahead. Its strategic location on Florida's Space Coast also makes it an ideal stopover as teams travel south to Miami, or west to Tampa and St. Pete's. We're looking forward to welcoming competitors to this inaugural December event.”
The Melges 24 event will take place December 11–13, 2026, with rigging and practice on Friday and racing Saturday and Sunday. More event details, including registration information and the official Notice of Race, will be announced soon.
For more information about upcoming Melges events and racing opportunities, visit Melges.com.
