Melges 24 World Championship - Final preparations before the thrill

by IM24CA 30 May 2018 11:08 PDT 31 May - 9 June 2018

2016 Melges 24 Worlds in Miami © Pierrick Contin / IM24CA

Victoria International Marina © Victoria International Marina

From May 31st to June 9th, Victoria will host the Melges 24 World Championship 2018 - first ever Melges 24 title event held in Canada. Victoria is a great location for the Melges 24 Worlds and it's not just because of the excellent sailing conditions.

Besides great racing on the water the participating teams will enjoy the Canadian hospitality at several events ashore. Royal Victoria Yacht Club and Canadian Forces Sailing Association as the hosts of the event are expecting the sailors at the race headquarters located at the Victoria International Marina since May 31st. The Melges 24 Canadian Championship as the main rehearsal in upcoming weekend will heat up the thrill of the Worlds, where competition will start on Tuesday, June 5th.

Being part of the Worlds' organizing committee, Duncan Stamper, also Vice Chairman Americas of the International Melges 24 Class Association, is happy to welcome international Melges 24 fleet in his hometown Victoria and gives an overview what's going to happen in upcoming days.

"As the first out-of-town teams arrive in Victoria they are met with warm sunny skies, cool brisk westerlies and the friendly relaxed demeanour of the helpful locals.

Early arrivals are launching their boats either by ramp at various locations around Victoria including at co-host club Canadian Forces Sailing Association, Esquimalt (CFSA), or by using the crane at Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC). On Friday June 1st from 8:00am to 4:00pm a crane will also be available to launch the bulk of the fleet at CFSA, also site of the trailer storage area.

The registration desk for both the Canadian Championship and World Championship is open on Friday June 1st at the Victoria International Marina (VIM) from 8:00am to 6:00pm. The desk will remain open over the weekend during the Canadian Championship from 8:00am to 12:00noon, and then again on Monday June 4th from 8:00am to 6:00pm for final Worlds registration and crew weigh-in."

Shore events and recreational events have been always part of the Melges 24 regattas, where time-proof friendships have been built to make this class as a big happy family. The organizing committee is currently working diligently to finalize all details to provide a memorable event both on and off the water.

On behalf of the organizing committee, Stamper is happy to highlight two special shore events during this exciting week. In addition to the après sail social and daily award gatherings there are two exceptional dinner events not to be missed. First, on Saturday June 2nd, there will be a very special Songhees Nation Westcoast Dinner provided at the Songhees Wellness Centre, just up the road from CFSA. Entertainment this evening will be provided by an amazing Coast Salish indigenous dancing group.

Tickets are included for all crew with registration for the Canadian Championship and additional tickets can be purchased at registration. The second dinner event is the World Championship dinner at RVYC on Thursday June 7th with an after dinner wildlife presentation provided by local cetacean expert Mark Malleson. Dinner tickets again are included for all crew with Worlds registration with additional available for purchase from the registration desk.

The Victoria Waterfront is a stunning place to sail. The racing conditions are predictably excellent in May/June, and the mountain backdrop is sure to impress! Many world class sailing events have been raced on these waters. Sir Thomas Lipton was so taken by the excellent racing conditions that he presented the gorgeous Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy specifically for a race on the waters of the 2018 Melges Worlds race area each year.

The racing area for the Worlds is large, giving the Race Committee flexibility in setting races and for the interested people around viewing from many locations along Dallas Road and Sax Point in Esquimalt. Racing gets underway June 2nd to 3rd with the Canadian Championship, followed by the Worlds on June 5th to 9th. Spectators are encouraged to come down to the Victoria International Marina (harbour start at 9am, returning around 3-4pm), and watch the racing off the waterfront.

"We look forward to welcoming you to Victoria and encourage you to explore our little piece of paradise on Vancouver Island," says Duncan Stamper to the fleet of international Melges 24 sailors and their companions.