Harbor Springs to Tønsberg: Melges 24 Championship Season Rolls On
Harbor Springs, MI — The 2026 Melges 24 World Championship inched a little closer this weekend as teams gathered at Little Traverse Yacht Club (LTYC) for the Melges 24 Pre-Worlds Regatta, getting an early look at the Harbor Springs venue before returning in September for the main event.
After two scheduled days of racing, Saturday ultimately delivered the regatta’s only three scored races. Sunday brought little to no breeze, preventing further racing despite efforts to make the most of the fleet’s time on the water.
When the scores were settled, Cuyler Morris’ Dark Horse emerged at the top of the overall standings, while Eddie Gary at the helm of Troublemaker claimed top Corinthian honors — mirroring their respective championship victories at the 2026 Melges 24 U.S. Nationals earlier this month in Traverse City.
Saturday produced three different race winners, with Anthony Kotoun’s Wahgwan taking the opening race, followed by Morris in Race 2, and Dick Kalow’s Mustang in Race 3.
With only three races on the board, the final standings remained tight. Bora Gulari’s Mavi and Kotoun finished within striking distance at the front of the fleet, while Mustang and Sandy Askew’s Flying Jenny finished tied on points — leaving plenty of close competition on the scorecard as the Pre-Worlds came to a close.
The stage is set. Harbor Springs has offered its first preview — next time, it’s for the World title.
The Pre-Worlds also marked the penultimate event of the 2026 Quantum Sails Great Lakes Cup Series and Melges 24 North American Sailing Series, with valuable points added to both season-long contests.
View: Melges 24 Pre-Worlds — Final Results
Following the U.S. Nationals, and now, the conclusion of the Pre-Worlds, the leaders at the top of the North American Sailing Series, as well as the Quantum Sails Great Lakes Cup Series, remain unchanged. Peter McClennen’s Gamecock continues to lead the Open standings, while Eddie Gary’s Troublemaker remains on top of the Corinthian division.
View: 2026 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series Results (Preliminary, After 8 Events)
NEXT STOP: EUROPEANS, THEN WORLDS
Attention now shifts across the Atlantic to Tønsberg, Norway, where 42 teams have assembled to race the 2026 Melges 24 European Championship. Five days of racing are scheduled beginning Monday, August 31 through Friday, September 4, offering another showcase of international competition before the spotlight shifts back to Harbor Springs. Then, it’s all eyes on the Worlds, September 19–26 at Little Traverse Yacht Club.
TEAMS ON DEADLINE
For teams still planning to join the World Championship fleet, time is running short. The entry deadline is Tuesday, September 1.
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