Lake Balaton, Hungary To Host 2014 European Championship And Chicago To Host North American Championship

Following on from the confirmation that the 2014 Melges 24 Worlds will be held in Geelong, Australia, in January, the AGM also voted to hold to 2014 Melges European Championship on Lake Balaton, Hungary at end April/begining May and to hold the 2014 Melges 24 North American Championship in Chicago, IL, USA in late June.

Lake Balaton is Central Europe's largest Lake and one of its foremost tourist destinations.  With stunning green/turquoise waters, 600 sq km of sailable area, a great climate (at that time of year temperatures will be in the high teens to mid 20s celcius/upper 60s to mid 70s farenheit), perfect sailing winds, excellent shoreside facilities and a reputation for world class race management Balaton has it all to offer.  The cost of living is very low making it extremely good value for money and its easily accessible from all areas of Europe being 1.5 hours from Budapest, 2.5 from Vienna, 7 from Munich, 12 from Kiel, 5 from Prague, 7 from Zurich, 5 from Portoroz, 11 from Rome and 10 hours from Genoa.  Budapest airport has direct international flights from all major international hubs with many low cost airlines operating to it.

Chicago lies at the very heart of the midwest, spiritual home of the Melges 24, with more than 50 registered Melges 24s based within a 100 mile drive of the venue.  Chicago Yacht Club lies at the heart of the city and is one of the oldest and most respected yacht clubs in the world.  Its reputation for running major international championships for a wide range of classes is outstanding and with Chicago's nickname of "The Windy City" it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that this place was made for Melges 24 racing.  At that time of year Chicago sees average temperatures in the mid 20s celcius/upper 70s farenheit with average windspeeds of 10-15 mph.  Chicago airport has flights to all major US and European hubs and is a 12.5 hour drive from Annapolis, 15 hours from Charleston and around 33/34 hours from Seattle and San Francisco.

Both venues have been selected to combine ease of accessibility for a large number of sailors with top quality racing and we'll have more information and event websites for both of events in early 2013.