2024 Quantum Melges 24 Great Lakes Cup Series gets underway
by U.S. Melges 24 Class Association 16 May 16:02 BST
May 18-19, 2024
Steve Boho's ‘The 300' will take on a field of 22 Melges 24s at the Midwest One-Design Spring Championship happening on May 18-19, hosted by the Muskegon Yacht Club © Morgan Kinney / Melges Performance Sailboats
Title sponsor Quantum Sails and the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USM24CA) are ready to usher in the 2024 Great Lakes Cup racing series for a fourth exciting year.
This exclusive, 4-part Melges 24 regatta series is tailor-made for the iconic sportboat. It kicks off this weekend (May 18-19) in Muskegon, Michigan and continues over the next five months in various locations throughout the Midwest, promising a multi adrenaline-pumping showcase of Melges 24 racing.
Hosted by the Muskegon Yacht Club (MYC), the stage is set for a showdown for 22 teams representing the USA and Canada.
"Melges 24s in the Midwest region can't wait to go racing in Muskegon," says Scot Zimmerman, USM24CA President and owner/driver aboard Bad Idea. "They always put on the best event — great racing, super race management, and the shore-side events and activities are top notch too."
"Most boats have been stored for the Winter and this gives us all the chance to shake off the dust and get ready for a really fun Spring, Summer and Fall racing season. There are lots of events to attend. I recommend picking one (or more) and go! Every event will be a lot of fun and well-worth the travel time to race alongside the best Melges 24 teams!"
Series event number one, better known as the Midwest One-Design Spring Championship is an event that has earned its stripes as a must-attend regatta. Historically, it marks the official start of the racing season in the region.
In 2023, it received the achievement of Regatta of the Year from the Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation. For 2024, every participant will utilize Vakaros technology while racing, taking full advantage of a cutting-edge sailing instrument that boasts unparalleled accuracy on the starting line.
Fleet legend and Regatta Chair Josh Wallace commented: "I am super excited for this year's event. The weather looks to be ideal with 75-degrees and the breeze 10-15 out of the SW. This should provide for two days of solid racing. I am looking forward to seeing a lot of old friends and meeting the newcomers."
Registration is scheduled for Friday (May 17). Saturday is opening day and with idealic weather conditions forecasted, teams can anticipate lots of racing. Champions for the open and Corinthian divisions will be crowned on Sunday amidst an atmosphere charged with excitement and deep-fleet camaraderie.
Sponsored by Quantum Sails, renowned for their commitment to pushing the boundaries of sailmaking, the Quantum Melges 24 Great Lakes Cup promises an unforgettable series — Midwest One-Design Spring Championship (May 18-19), Sarnia Regatta (June 22-23), Guardians of the Great Lakes Regatta (formerly the Grand Traverse Invite - August 17-18), and Fall Championship (October 5-6).