2024 U.S. MELGES 15 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS CROWNED IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Christopher Alexander and Hamilton Barclay are the 2024 U.S. Melges 15 National Champions. The racing was contested by 55 boats at Grand Traverse Yacht Club over the course of three days. 

The first day of racing was marked by downwind thrills and significant wind shifts throughout the three races. A southwesterly breeze crested over the hills, creating large shifts and wind holes across Grand Traverse Bay. Conditions lightened on Day Two, but the prevailing southwesterly wind kept the shifts in play, gradually weakening as the day progressed.

“Downwind was like gambling; there wasn’t much rhyme or reason,” said Barclay.

“You had to guess what was going to happen,” added Alexander. “Hopefully, your guess was correct because there were a lot of shifts and significant changes in pressure and direction.”

After two days of tight racing, the bay was becalmed on Day Three, casting doubt on whether there would be any more competition. However, following a brief shoreside postponement and an impromptu class gathering led by Melges's Eddie Cox, the Race Committee headed out for two quick races in the building breeze.

Alexander and Barclay maintained a firm grip on first place, but the introduction of a throwout after six races reshuffled the top five. Top Youth Skipper Ryan Keenan, with crew Esteban Forrer, excelled in the light air, finishing 1st and 2nd and ultimately placing third overall.

Top Grand Master Scott Steele remarked, “The shifts allowed you to make big comebacks, so you were never really out of the race.”

“Each race saw a new leader at the front of the fleet. It speaks volumes about how competitive this fleet is,” Barclay added.

The next event on the Melges 15 calendar is the start of the 2024-25 Winter Series at the new Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, FL. The four-event series kicks off November 23-24, 2024, with clinics, charters, and the latest regatta technology.