2021 World Championship Event Survey, Pt. 2

Melges 24 fleet © U.S. Melges 24 Class Association

Thank you to everyone in advance who took the time to participate in our 2021 World Championship Survey. Your input and thoughtful feedback is invaluable in making critical decisions regarding the Worlds next year. In that same spirit, we turn to you again as our initial conversations have sparked more possible solutions to holding a Championship that is of the highest quality, but also fun and safe for everyone involved.

Timing and Date

The results to the first survey question about timing of the event in correlation with Sperry Charleston Race Week was practically split — 50.6% voted for April 23 - May 1, and 49.4% voted for April 16-24.

However, another possible alternative was brought to our attention, to hold the event even closer to CRW — April 13-17, rolling right into a World Championship regatta. CRW could be an abbreviated event for the fleet with a full racing schedule solely dedicated to Worlds starting on Tuesday April 13, and concluding on Saturday, April 17. This could compress the event into possibly a more reasonable two week span of time reducing costs to attend in many areas —storage, logistics, travel, accommodations, etc.

And so, we reach out to you again for more thought and input. Please take this quick additional, one-question survey on just the event timing and date: Take the 2021 Worlds Survey, PT. 2.

Racing Location Preference

Offshore racing was the least preferred option with Charleston Harbor being the top choice at 45.5%. 39% does not care whether racing is offshore or in the harbor, as long as the racing is fair and meets the highest standards for World Championship racing.

We want to take a moment to remind everyone that IF racing were to take place offshore, IF it was the best location for the best world championship racing — a tow out to the race course would be provided to ALL competitors by the racing organizers. There would not be an additional fee for the tow. This service would be considered a part of your entry to the World Championship in Charleston.

Planning to Attend

We received over 75 responses to the survey. 51.9% said they would attend. 37.7% said maybe, and 10.4% said they would not attend for a variety of reasons (mainly contingent on timing, date of the event and racing location).

Again, we look to you to guide us in our decisions. The Class and Race Organizers are here to serve YOU.

Thank you for your additional survey feedback at this link: Take the 2021 worlds survey, PT. 2.