MEL-784 2009 M32 Yearbook:IM32CA - the Melges 32 Class ...

Global Fleet Reports
from afar. It was this event in particular that really struck a chord.
Everyone took notice as the Melges 32 was the most followed
one design class in attendance.
28
Michael Illbruck. ©2008 JOY | IM32CA
R.A.C.E. In The U.S.A.
The Melges 32 Class achieved great success in the North American
regatta market in 2008. It experienced tremendous growth from
coast to coast, not only in fleet size, but also the number of venues
the class participated. In total, 8 high-quality events, complimented
by exquisite sailing destinations, made 2008 a year to remember.
The official racing season commenced in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. at the
Winter Tune-up Regatta in late December 2007. This event really got
things going with one of the higher event participation levels — a
record eighteen teams.
The fleet traveled next to Key West, where an impressive 27 teams
raced for five days at one of the worlds best venues for one-design
competition. This was the largest gathering of Melges 32s ever. The
ACURA Miami Grand Prix concluded the 2008 Winter Series with
another astounding turnout of 20. All three events were well
attended by U.S. entrants with international presence from the UK,
Canada, Germany and Italy.
Since 2007, the Sperry Top-Sider Annapolis NOOD has served as the
Melges 32 East Coast Championship. Annapolis spawned another
great turnout where more than 14 boats competed. This event led up
to the U.S. Nationals held in Newport, R.I. at the New York Yacht
Club’s prestigious Race Week at Newport, presented by Rolex.
Twenty-two teams set another record, making the Nationals the
largest ever.
Another event, two years in the running for the Melges 32, was the
Rolex Big Boat Series in San Francisco, Calif. during mid-September.
The attendance level during 2007 was exceeded by 2. Nine teams
total competed — three international entrants among them, proving
that the Melges 32 is a great success on the West Coast scene,
simultaneously proving its ability to draw international teams
And last, but certainly not least, was the inaugural 2008 Melges 32
Gold Cup Regatta hosted at the beginning of December by the
Lauderdale Yacht Club in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Once again, this event
kicked off the 2009 racing season. Despite higher rumored
attendance levels, the unpredictable financial world economy
took its toll, however a record-breaking 20 entries still made a
show, and what a show it was. Some of the world’s best sailors
were on hand to compete. Fresh off of receiving ISAF Recognized
Class status and the formal appointment of Jeff Ecklund as
International Melges 32 Class President, this event was a celebration
of its current success, as well as all that awaits the fleet in 2009.
What is in store for 2009? The 2009 Melges 32 USA Sailing Series!
This elite collection of events, carefully selected to accentuate the
Melges 32 positives — tight, competitive racing, participation at
high profile events, as well as the addition of stand alone events
preserving the spirit of the class, encouraging more owner
enjoyment as well as higher participation in some of America’s
most beautiful and prestigious yachting venues.
You can bet that the 2009 racing schedule in North America will
be as exciting as 2008. Although a deteriorating world economy
looms, fleet growth continues. The interest level for the boat and
accumulation of new owners and racers remain high. The number
of events has increased for 2009 as well, as a more concentrated
approach to growing fleets locally — facilitated by the first
West Coast National Championship.
Peter Taselaar. ©2008 JOY | IM32CA
2009 M32 Yearbook: 2008 Fleet Reports | www.melges32.com