Melges Mayhem Regatta Report

By Pierce Barden, M15 Cape Fear Fleet Captain

Eighteen Melges 15 teams gathered at the Carolina Yacht Club in Wrightsville Beach, NC for the first annual Melges Mayhem Regatta on May 4-5. Sailors from across the Southeast participated and included teams from NC, SC, GA, and FL.

The Carolina Yacht Club, situated on the Atlantic Ocean, provided a great venue and hospitality. The club has a history of hosting major championships such as the Lightning Worlds, Lightning Pan Am Trials, Sunfish Worlds, Lightning NAs, Laser Nationals, Lightning ACCs, and Laser ACCs.

Saturday’s racing was in light 5-6mph breeze and PRO Billy Mebane and RC volunteers ran 4 races. Michael and Griffin Stapleton led the way with 4 firsts. Tied for 2nd were Austin Ando/Jack Sutton and Liam Walz/Anna Flynn. Pierce and Kiki Barden were 4th, followed by Gavin and James Crowell in 5th.

Sunday produced a little stronger 6-8mph wind allowing crews to sit on the high side. Three races were completed and awards were presented to the top 3 teams. Michael and Griffin Stapleton representing Hobcaw Yacht Club captured the overall win in dominating fashion with a total of 8 points. In 2nd place was Austin Ando/Jack Sutton also from Hobcaw Yacht Club with 13 points. Liam Walz/Anna Flynn representing Crescent Sail Yacht Club finished 3rd with 14 points. Jon Betts/Violet Derry from Carolina Yacht Club leapfrogged into 4th overall with 30 points. Locals Andrew Simpson/Sam Woodley from UNC-W finished 5th overall with 37 points.

Thank you to everyone who made this regatta successful by volunteering their time and efforts. Please check the Melges 15 Facebook Group in the coming months for next year’s regatta dates.