2023 Melges 15 U.S. National Championship Ready to Set Sail in New York

The 2023 Melges 15 U.S. National Championship kicks off September 29 at Sayville Yacht Club in Blue Point, NY. This highly anticipated event promises to be a thrilling showcase of sailing talent, as top sailors from across the nation travel northeast to compete for the Title.

The Melges 15 National Championship is an annual regatta that attracts some of the best sailors in the country. In 2021, the father-daughter team Emily and John Haig from Beach Haven, NJ claimed their victory at Lake Geneva Yacht Club. As the Class has grown over the years, new frontrunners have emerged at events including Lorie Stout, Toby Sullivan, and Clay Johnson.

Dan Cameron, member of SYC, declared, “We’re looking forward to some great competition this weekend on the Great South Bay. The strong breeze and short chop will make for some challenging conditions.”

“Finding the balance between speed and point will separate the boats upwind while finding the right wave to gybe on downwind could lead to big gains,” Cameron is racing with his 19-year-old son, Connor this weekend. “Good luck to all, and please enjoy the hospitality of my home club.”

The Nationals marks the end of the 2023 Championship Series, a new concept for the Class supporting top-tier events. These are class-sanctioned regattas designed to enhance competition, promote regional fleets, and foster camaraderie among racers. The East Coast and Inland Championships drew more than 35 boats each in highly competitive regattas. The 2024 Championship Series will kick off in Jensen Beach, FL with the start of the U.S. Winter Series.

With practice racing scheduled for Thursday, September 28, the competition will run Friday, September 29-Sunday, October 1. Eight races are scheduled with one race necessary to constitute a series. After six races, a discard will be introduced. For more information and to follow the Melges 15 Nationals, visit melges15.com/nationals.