CANCELLATION of the 2021 Melges 24 World Championship

March 05, 2021 – Charleston, SC, USA

Dear Melges 24 Sailors,

I have an update on our World Championship scheduled for April 2021.  In sum, we have reached the point where we can no longer designate the event a World Championship due to the closing this week of the US borders to international sailors.  In its place, we have decided to hold a world class event;  it will be called the Melges 24 Gold Cup.  Will you still come and test your skills against some of the best in the class?  A revised notice of race will be forthcoming.  While you now have the general idea of what is happening, I hope you will read the rest.

We have had to make decisions along the way to proceed with the championship in spite of the global pandemic.  I have said from the beginning that international sailors need to be able to reach the US for us to be able to host a world championship.

Even back in January and as recently as last week, it was possible for some (not all) sailors to be able to attend and obtain permission to travel to the US.  I wanted the event to happen for the sailors who want to sail and for the benefit of the class.  We want you all to be happy, healthy Melges 24 sailors – engaged and provided with opportunities to race one of the best boats on the planet.

Just this week, we encountered insurmountable odds for the hosting and designation of an event that could be called a World Championship.  And, the timing is terrible as people have already committed funds to attend including housing, travel, etc.  There are restrictions in other countries: Canadians face a strict 2-week quarantine upon return IF they can get here; Australians basically cannot leave and the UK now has a strict no international travel policy through May 17.  On March 2nd, the US government specifically issued a further travel restriction to the US for the Shengen countries which comprises most of Europe. There are now no visa exemptions for sports people as existed earlier in the year.

The local organizing committee led by Randy Draftz has agreed to go forward and host a Gold Cup event following Charleston Race Week which will be highly competitive and worthy of your attendance.

Before concluding, I’d like to thank all of those who committed to participating in the Worlds and those international sailors who have been working hard to obtain permission to come to the US.

I would like to thank Randy Draftz for his unwavering support of the Melges 24.  I would like to thank the US class members and their leaders for supporting our efforts by, among other things, lining up boats for charter and encouraging members to attend.  And, I’d like to thank the staff supporters of the IM24CA for their focus and support.

Finally, I am grateful and appreciative of the volunteer international Executive Committee for their commitment and passion for this class; we have spent many hours discussing the best course of action for our sailors and weathering the ups and downs of our global situation.

In the coming weeks, we will present a plan for the next World Championship and beyond.

We have a great boat to sail and an even better group of sailors!

My best to you for your health, safety, and fast sailing,

Laura Grondin
IM24CA Chair

Cancellation of the Melges 24 Worlds 2021
Cancellation of the Melges 24 Worlds 2021 – photo © Pierrick Contin

2021 Melges 24 Worlds Prepared for New Regatta Normal

February 26, 2021 – Charleston, S.C. USA – Earlier this month, the International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA) confidently announced it would move forward with conducting the 2021 World Championship on April 9-17 in Charleston, S.C., immediately following Charleston Race Week (read full statement). My how time flies. As hard as it may be to believe, it has been a full year since the originally scheduled event was officially postponed due to the progressing COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our goal is to ensure opportunities for our sailors to sail and race their boats, where and when they can — safely,” said Laura Grondin, IM24CA Chairwoman. “We understand that perhaps not everyone will be able to attend or travel as easily as in the past, but many can. Charleston offers some of the most exciting and challenging racing conditions in the world, and we are excited to offer this opportunity to compete.”

Early Spring weather makes Charleston the ideal venue for World Championship racing. While the Class prefers racing inside the harbor, the event maintains the option to race offshore in which case, every boat will be towed. In every other case, towing to the race course will not be permitted.

“We are working very hard to make sure this event is the absolute best it can be,” says Randy Draftz, 2021 Worlds Regatta Chair. “We are putting all the necessary protocols into place to make it enjoyable and safe for everyone. The racing on Charleston Harbor will certainly be spectacular, and with Charleston Race Week serving as a warm-up to Worlds, teams will have lots of opportunities to prepare, tune and adapt.”

“We are poised and ready to assist teams who want to race. We can help with issuing travel invitations and/or helping teams make their plans in Charleston, for both Charleston Race Week and Worlds. Whatever we can do to help, we are here.”

Can’t travel with your boat? For those experiencing tighter border restrictions than others, the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USM24CA) has procured a very nice selection of used boats available for charter in the U.S. which can be found online at usmelges24.com.

The early entry deadline for Worlds is February 28, 2021, with the final entry deadline for Open and Corinthian teams on April 3rd, so there is still plenty of time to register, plan and participate.

Official 2020 Melges 24 World Championship Website
Online Regatta Registration

#2021m24worlds #melges24worlds

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ABOUT THE 2021 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPONSORS

The 2021 Melges 24 World Championship is proudly supported by Quantum Sails, Mount Pleasant South Carolina, High and Dry Boat Works, Coral Reef Sailing Apparel, Sail22, Vakaros and the Northern Michigan Melges 24 Fleet.

ABOUT THE MELGES 24

The Melges 24 is designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges Performance Sailboats and holds a unique position among the world’s one-design sportboats as one of the most successful classes of high performance yachts. For more information, please visit the official website of the International Melges 24 Class Association at melges24.com.

For media photos (web and/or high resolution) or class specific information about the Melges 24 at the 2021 Melges 24 World Championship, please contact:

Joy Dunigan
2021 Melges 24 World Championship Press Officer
U.S. Melges 24 Class Association, Administrator 
Mobile: +1 (912) 398-5776
Skype: joysavannah

Piret Salmistu
2021 Melges 24 World Championship Press Coordinator
International Melges 24 Class Association Administrator, Press Officer/Coordinator
Mobile: +372 507 7217
Skype: piret.salmistu

2021 World Championship Early Entry Deadline Approaching, February 28

February 24, 2021 – Charleston, SC, USA – The first early entry deadline for the 2021 Melges 24 World Championship is fast approaching – it’s February 28.Taking place on the heels of Charleston Race Week, the Worlds is scheduled for April 9-17 in Charleston, S.C. There is still plenty of time to register, plan and participate.

If you have already registered, but have not paid, now is the time to take action via this link:
https://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=14288

The final entry deadline is April 3, 2021 for all Open and Corinthian teams.

2021 Melges 24 World Championship will take place as scheduled in Charleston, SC

February 5, 2021 – Charleston, SC, USA – The Executive Committee of the IM24CA has had multiple conversations and has made the decision to proceed as planned with the 2021 World Championship in Charleston, SC USA. 

Dear Melges 24 sailors,

I am pleased to confirm that we are proceeding with the 2021 World Championship, in April as scheduled in Charleston, SC.  Registration is open – please register

Piret Salmistu, our international class coordinator and Randy Draftz, the regatta chair can issue invitations to sailors who need them to come to the Worlds and will help interested teams make their plans.  Please note that that there is currently no quarantining requirement to enter South Carolina or the adjoining US states.

There are charter boats available – check out the USM24CA website.  And, if you have a boat, consider listing it for charter.

In order to proceed with this event during these unusual times, the event will strictly comply with COVID protocols for the safety of all concerned. Social celebrations and gatherings will not be held, and all participants are encouraged to employ the greatest consideration for everyone’s health.

Nothing is usual now and, frankly, as much as we all want a return to our old normal, we are experiencing a new normal and will have a yet unknown future new normal.  But sailing and sailboat racing will continue to be an important part of our lives, of that, I am certain.  And, your class leadership will do our collective best to continue to provide opportunities for our sailors to race.

My deepest thanks to Randy Draftz for sticking with the Melges 24 class and organizing the Worlds.  And, my thanks to the Executive Committee and our supporters for their thoughtful comments and questions to reach this point.

My best to all of the sailors and supporters of our class!

Laura Grondin
IM24CA Chair

Call for charter boats for 2021 Melges 24 Racing Season in US

The U.S. Melges 24 Class is currently seeking any used boats that are available for charter or for sale, for the forthcoming 2021 Melges 24 World Championship and beyond. For a limited time, you can advertise your boat as available for charter, or used boat for sale online at the Class website FREE OF CHARGE. Click here to let us know your boat is available by completing the classified ad form.

Are you looking to charter a boat? We want to know that too! Reach out and let us know by sending an email to the USM24CA Admin (communications@usmelges24.com) as soon as possible.

2021 Melges 24 World Championship Dates – April 10-17

Dear Melges 24 sailors,

With the highest of hopes that the dynamics in the world will cooperate, we have scheduled the 2021 Worlds for April 10-17, 2021 (April 13-17 racing days) in Charleston, SC.  Those dates were chosen so that teams that wish to also participate in the Sperry Charleston Race Week 2021 as a warm up event (April 9-11) can do so with one entry into the US and within a relatively condensed period of time.

A clear requirement for the success of this event is the ability of the sailors and the boats to reach Charleston without quarantines required or other restrictions either traveling to or from the location.  The event will operate in compliance with all of World Sailing’s recommendations for hosting a safe regatta for the participants.  IM24CA will provide regular updates as to the planning and status of the event and is very mindful of the advance planning required by the teams participating.

For all of us, this has been an unprecedented and unpredictable year!  Fortunately, many of us have been able to sail and race this past summer, while, unfortunately, racing has been extremely limited or impossible in other locations in the world during the pandemic.

I wish you all well and look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event.

Best,

Laura Grondin
IM24CA Chair

International Melges 24 Class Association Postpones the Championship Schedule

May 22, 2020 – The World Council of the International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA), which consists of the National Class Association chairs and the IM24CA Executive Committee, voted to move the schedule of the title events out one year.  This means that the 2020 World and European Championships that would have been held in 2020 will now be held in the same venues in 2021.  The schedule for 2021 will move to 2022 and so on.

The decision to postpone the schedule was taken following several discussions between the local events organising committees, with the final approval from postponement taken after the voting of IM24CA World Council earlier this week. The reason for the postponement is the Corona virus outbreak and all the uncertainties it introduced.

The class deeply regrets this situation with addressing the message of Laura Grondin, the Chair of the International Melges 24 Class Association.

“I know that you will not be surprised, but that you will be disappointed.  Me, too!  Weeks ago, after cancelling the Worlds in Charleston, we aspired to hold a World Championship this year in Miami.   We have no control over the virus or our governments’ decisions as to how to deal with it.  This uncertainty leaves us without much choice, but to postpone these big events.  I do sincerely hope that we will be able to race the Bacardi series this coming winter in the warm waters of Miami.

2020 Melges 24 Worlds Postponed to April 2021

I’d like to thank Randy Draftz for his willingness to pull together Melges 24 Worlds in Charleston in 2021 after all his hard work and stress over planning and then unwinding 2020.  Melges 24 Worlds 2021 will be a week or two following the 2021 Charleston Race Week scheduled to be held on April 4-11.  Let’s make 2021 Melges 24 Worlds a great event – plan to attend, become a sponsor! 

Melges 24 Europeans 2021 are intended to be held in Portoroz, Slovenia also in the same timeframe, in the first half of September. We will publish dates as soon as we can.

2020 Melges 24 Europeans postponed to September 2021

I said it before, but it bears repeating.  Our class is strong and vibrant as we share a passion for our sport and a love of the Melges 24.  Let’s show that spirit by sharing our fun this summer.  You can post on Facebook and Instagram and we can share it and post on the website:  let’s hear who won that Wednesday night race, let’s post some photos of M24s racing or the blooper of the day, if you have the courage to share it.  The strength of the class is not just about how many boats show up at a championship, but also about how many people are out there racing, practicing and striving to get better.

What I have enjoyed most about my experience with the class has been learning more about myself and my team and having the opportunity to get to know the other awesome members of the class.  What have you enjoyed?  What motivates you to race this boat?  Share it.

Thank you to North SailsQuantum Sails and Mauro Melandri, Director of Zerogradinord for stepping up and offering webinars for the Melges 24 class.  Thank you also to the sailors who have participated in the webinars and who have kept our class vibrant by posting on Facebook and Instagram.  I especially liked Miles Quinton’s post…

My best wishes to all of you for fast sailing and good health.”

With respect to other major Melges 24 Class events that remain on the schedule for 2020, the IM24CA Executive Committee remains in discussions with the local national classes and Organizing Authorities and expects to make decisions no less than 30 days prior to the scheduled date for the events and will provide updates as needed.

In the meantime, IM24CA wishes all Melges 24 sailors and their families the best in these difficult times. We look forward to be back sailing as soon as we can.

Possibility of Holding the Melges 24 Worlds in Miami in Late 2020 Under Consideration

Dear Melges 24 sailors,


The International Melges 24 Class Association is hoping that we will be able to host a World Championship in Miami, Florida in late 2020.  

Obviously, our ability to make that happen is contingent upon how the worldwide COVID-19 crisis evolves.  At this point, we simply want to convey our aspiration.  We plan to be back in touch in about a month with more details so that teams can begin to plan.

Every single M24 sailor has been impacted by the global pandemic;  some circumstances are much more extreme and severe than others.  

I hope that our next shared experience will be planing through the warm waters under bright sunshine off the coast of Miami.

My best wishes for the safety and health of you, your family and your friends.

Laura Grondin 
Chair 
International Melges 24 Class Association 

E-mail

Enjoy the videos of the 2016 Melges 24 Worlds in Miami by Zerogradinord

Photos of the 2016 Melges 24 Worlds by © Pierrick Contin 

March 30, 2020

2016 Melges 24 Worlds in Miami - photo © Pierrick Contin
2016 Melges 24 Worlds in Miami – photo © Pierrick Contin

CANCELLATION of the 2020 Melges 24 World Championship

Dear Melges 24 sailors,

In light of the current global situation and feedback from local officials, the Executive Committee of the IM24CA along with Randy Draftz, our event organizer; and in consultation with Megan Ratliff, Chair of the US Melges 24 Class, reached the difficult decision today to cancel the World Championship scheduled for the beginning of May.  

This was not a decision we came to lightly and we know that many of you, myself included, will be disappointed.  But our first responsibility is to the health and well-being of our sailors, our staff and the community at large.

We are all in uncharted waters.  We have not even experienced yet, here in the US, the quarantines and shutdowns that our European friends are living.  

What I do know is that sailors are hardy and resilient, not afraid to get wet and unwilling to back down from a challenge.  This is why I know that our class will emerge as a strong and vibrant organization because we share a passion for our sport and a love of our boats.

I give my sincerest thanks to Randy for his dauntless spirit and energy towards producing a world class event and through this incredibly unreal week.   We are already working on our future plans and will share news as soon as we can.

If I can be of help to you, please let me know.  

We do plan to issue refunds for Worlds’ registrations.  

Please do take care of your family and yourselves through this challenging, unprecedented time in modern history.

My best to all of you.

Laura Grondin 
Chair 
International Melges 24 Class Association 

E-mail 

March 16, 2020

 

CANCELLATION of the 2020 Melges 24 World Championship