Melges 24 US Nationals kick off 2024 Worlds • Live Sail Die

With each passing day, the American Melges 24 Class is growing more and more excited for the 2024 National Championship, which will take place July 12-14 in picturesque Santa Barbara, California. After months of meticulous planning, the Santa Barbara Yacht Club (SBYC) is ready to host this highly anticipated event, which kicks off the 2024 West Coast Racing Series. Following the Nationals, the series continues with the Pacific Coast Championship on August 3-4 and culminates with the World Championship in San Francisco Bay from August 17-24. It concludes September 20-22 with the Canadian National Championship in West Vancouver, Canada. With two National Championships framing the series, excitement and competition are expected to be extremely high as each event unfolds.

The Nationals managed to attract a fleet of 23 boats, with up to 15 teams qualifying to compete in the all-amateur division. While the fleet is primarily comprised of local boats from California, the event will also welcome teams from Lake Tahoe, Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, and as far away as Colorado and Ontario, Canada.

“The Melges 24 is the most fascinating boat I have ever sailed in a regatta. The relaxed class rules encourage you to focus on racing tactics and making the boat as fast as technically possible,” says Kathrin Wagner, owner of the Melges 24 Tinka. “At only 48 kg, I rely entirely on the skill and dynamics of the crew to be competitive with the other boats. Our four-woman team and the kite trimmer always maintain a close-knit team spirit and have a lot of fun. However, we have increased our consumption of doughnuts to reach the weight.”

PREPARATIONS. Kathrin Wagner, owner of the Melges 24 “Tinka”, is one of two women at the helm
is expected to compete in the 2024 National Championship. Photo: Courtesy of IG @tinka757

Santa Barbara’s beautiful conditions promise world-class racing, with the first starts scheduled each day after 1pm to take full advantage of the classic afternoon breeze. This will provide plenty of opportunities for fun downwind sailing for the fleet. Off the water, participants can look forward to a fantastic social programme, including evening hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a beach party and a hosted dinner on Saturday night.

“The south-facing shoreline along the Santa Barbara Channel ensures good breezes year-round, which helps us hone our sailing and racing expertise in a variety of conditions,” Wagner continued. “A little further out, we generally have steady winds and not too much impact from currents. I think teams with a diverse skill set and a flexible mindset will do very well at Nationals.”

Santa Barbara’s charm extends beyond the racetrack, offering stunning coastal views and a vibrant community atmosphere. The Nationals will be as much about camaraderie within the fleet as it is about competition.

“SBYC has been a great partner to work with,” said Joy Dunigan, US Melges 24 Class Administrator. “They have worked extremely hard to ensure that the teams have the full benefit of this championship, including opening their homes and providing free lodging to teams that need it. The class is truly grateful for all of their efforts and impeccable hospitality. SBYC is first class.”

SBYC overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is close to the Santa Barbara Harbor.

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