The Swiss Class is rapidly expanding and the IMCA is keen to hear from Swiss owners and sailors who would be prepared to help found the Swiss Melges 24 Class Association.
The eighth 2006 North American Ranking Event will now be held on July 21-23 in Seattle, Washington. This event was originally set for the same dates as the Whidbey Island Race Week Regatta on July 17-21.
PRESS RELEASE - The 2006 Melges 24 North American Championship gets underway this week in Santa Cruz, California, with the top Melges 24 crews from across North America and several European teams challenging for this biennial continental championship.
From the UK Class - The WKD and Westaway Sails UK National Championships are coming up on the 30th May until 3rd June. The event is being hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in Falmouth, Cornwall.
From Norwegian Class Chairman Nils Hauff - We have just started a new season in Norway, and the optimism in the Norwegian fleet is great. So far 24 boats have paid their membership in the Class Association, 50% more than last year. We are happy to see quite a few new teams that are very keen.
From Natasa Avlijas of the Italian Melges 24 Class - Day 1 - Bari is the most eastern town of Italy, and easternly are the prevailing winds. On the first day of racing, the eastern wind "levante" ( meaning rising) showed up in its worst version, with grayish skies and high humidity.
The discussion about the style of hiking that has developed in the class has been ongoing both publicly and within the class. The Executive Committee has decided to lead the resolution of the discussions.
From Devoti Sailing - We believe all European crews are concentrating on the World Championship in Hyeres in August and are using the seasons races to prepare and test their boats. Owners are focused on the quality of the boats and equipment.
This year the Melges 24 Class is holding the first ever Nordic Championship. Organised in association with the Finnish Championship the event will take place in Mariehamn, Finland from 27-30 July and crews from across Scandinavia and Northern Europe will be competing.
From IMCA Administrator Fiona Brown - Just a quick note to remind you that the entry deadline for the 2006 Melges 24 North American Championship in Santa Cruz is coming up this Monday 1st May so to avoid paying a 30% entry surcharge please get your entry in now.
