JAPAN SAILING FEDERATION OFFICIALLY RECOGNISES MELGES 24 CLASS

Japanese Class Secretary Chiaki Obata has received official confirmation from the Japan Sailing Federation that the Japan Melges 24 Class Association has become a recognised national class association. This recognition is an important step forward for the Melges 24 in Japan and will assist in encouraging new owners to join the class.

The Japanese fleet has continued to grow steadily in recent years and has established a regular regatta series and national championships. Although only a small fleet the standard is very high as Kunio Suzuiki and his Siesta team demonstrated when they competed in the 2001 Worlds in Key West where they made the top twenty and put in several excellent performances.

Chiaki and his team are working hard to ensure the fleet continues to grow and we look forward to reporting further news from Japan and to welcoming more Japanese competitors at future World and Continental Championships.