We’re seriously stoked to be part of the 2016 Melges 24 Worlds sponsors, and we can’t help but be amazed at the energy level and creativity behind Petey Crawford’s leadership for the first M24 Worlds in years to brave the open ocean. Over 90 boats already registered for an event almost a year away? Are you kidding? Nope – we are not. One of the coolest things to follow about this event will be the very cool Pimp My Ride contest, which ends in just days! Miss this one and you’ll kick yourself. Here’s Petey with more:
Just before Thanksgiving holiday, Miami Yacht Club hosted twenty Melges 24 teams from around the world that travelled to South Beach to compete in the 2016 Worlds Test Event and Act 1 of the newly designed Winter Series. With wind ranging from 8-18 knots and different directions over the 3 days everybody got to experience what Miami will deliver in a year from now at the World Championship.
After 3 great days of racing, Bruce Ayres and Team Monsoon were crowned Champions, barely holding off a late charge by Connor Clarke, who lost on countback. Marty “Marty The One-Man Party” Kullman on the historic New Wave team finished a point back to fill out the podium.
As I walked around the boat park and talked with the teams, it became clear that most everyone had a great time racing Melges 24’s in the big water again. Santa Cruz [2007] was the last time these boats got to go surfing, and most everyone was psyched for some new thinking and revisiting old techniques to make the switch from flat water venues. Some of the boys said so
Connor Clarke (IRL 829): Miami conditions are amazing, even in light breeze you can have fantastic fun. This is absolutely the best venue I have sailed in the US in my time with the Melges 24 class”
Gary Schwartling (USA 587): “ Nothing better than sailing out in the ocean swell, ripping along, beautiful stuff. This was my first time in conditions like that and we had a blast.”
George Haynie (USA 687): “We had a ball in the ocean. Our pick-up crew from Ft Lauderdale was 11-year old Opti sailor, Connor Boland, who helped us out a lot.”
“He was our Traveller-Jockey, spinnaker stuffer and pulled sea grass off the rudder while we planed downwind in 18 knots. “He was loving it!”
Federico Valenti – (ITA 841): “We prefer sailing in the ocean and the Melges24 is the best boat for the swell.”
As old man winter is knocking at the door, you may wish to consider the 2 additional opportunities for your Melges 24 team to test the 2016 Worlds Venue. Miami Yacht Club and Travis Weisleder / Lucky Dog Racing are co-hosting a 10 team Training Event Feb. 19-21. Details are here.
After that we roll into Act 3 of the Melges 24 World Winter Series at the Melges 24 Madness Regatta March 17-20. Enter here.
Rich Tobin, Miami Yacht Club past Commodore, told me the entire club is psyched to do something they haven’t tried before. “Next March when we host the Melges 24 Madness Regatta we look forward to showcasing many of the upgrades to the club and venue that we have planned for the Worlds! We are thrilled to be hosting the Melges 24’s for the next few events so we can show you all the hospitality and great racing that makes Miami such a great place to sail.”
BUT FOR NOW, Quantum Key West Race Week (Act 2 of the World Winter Series) is currently in our sights. This also happens to be where we will be announcing the winner of the Pimp My Ride 2016 Worlds Edition. If you haven’t heard about this or haven’t entered yet don’t worry you still have a little time left. Pimp My Ride is a contest available for series 500 or older Melges 24 owners to win over $30,000 in upgrades to make your boat more competitive. Yup, you read that right over $30,000.00 of upgrades. The only other qualification is that you pay your 2016 Worlds Entry fee before January 20th 2016. We will announce the winner on the 21st.
People, this is a serious list of sponsors and upgrades. If you aren’t the lucky winner of tonight’s record Powerball payout, don’t cry, you can still enter this amazing contest and walk away with some serious kit. Your odds will be far better as well!
Check it out for official contest details, and Do Not Miss Out On This Opportunity!
