Please select your home edition
Edition
Switch One Design

Zimmerman's Bad Idea wins Melges 24 Quantum Great Lakes Event #3

by U.S. Melges 24 Class Association 19 Aug 2024 16:04 PDT August 17-18, 2024
2024 Melges 24 Guardians of the Great Lakes Regatta © U.S. Melges 24 Class Association

Congratulations are in top order for Scot Zimmerman and his team on Bad Idea, who emerged this weekend as the overall winner of the Guardians of the Great Lakes Regatta, edging out runner-up Mike Dow on Flying Toaster by just three points.

Although Dow led the event on Saturday night by a significant margin, Zimmerman's team rose to the occasion and closed the gap with strong performances on Sunday.

The Guardians of the Great Lakes Regatta, the third stage of the 2024 Quantum Great Lakes Cup Series, was formerly known as the Grand Traverse Invitational. Racing took place on August 17-18, hosted by the Grand Traverse Yacht Club. Sixteen teams competed in nine races over the two-day event, showcasing their skills in diverse conditions.

Zimmerman praised his team's efforts, saying, "The racing conditions were quite challenging, particularly during Sunday's races where we were sailing in 17-25 knots of wind, reaching downwind speeds of 16-17 knots. We are really looking forward to future competitions, possibly the Q Cup on Lake Geneva next month, as well as the Bushwhacker Cup in Pensacola, FL, and Bacardi later in the season."

In addition to winning the overall event, Zimmerman also took home the top Corinthian title.

U.S. Melges 24 Class stalwart Dow on Flying Toaster finished the event in second, followed by Kyle Vowel's I'm with Stupid in third. Rounding out the top five are Sam Nadeau's Green and Harry Vigrass' Tomfoolery in fourth and fifth respectively.

Quick Links:

Related Articles

Melges 24 North American Sailing Series confirmed
Featuring 11 qualifying events spanning North America IM24CA, in conjunction with the USM24CA, and the CM24CA, has issued the Notice of Series for the 2026 North American Sailing Series, formally confirming the events included in the Series and outlining key updates to the overall championship structure. Posted on 11 Jan
2026 Melges 24 North American Series Notice issued
Featuring eleven qualifying events spanning North America The IM24CA, in conjunction with the U.S. and Canadian Melges 24 Class Associations, has issued the official Notice of Series (NoS) for the 2026 North American Sailing Series, formally confirming the events included in the Series and outlining key updates. Posted on 31 Dec 2025
2026 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series
A stellar line-up of events for the year ahead The International Melges 24 Class Association, in coordination with the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association, and the Canadian Melges 24 Class Association are pleased to unveil the initial lineup for the 2026 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series schedule. Posted on 20 Dec 2025
From U.S. Nationals to North Americans
Miami, here come the Melges 24s The 2025 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship in Pensacola, FL, delivered an exceptionally robust fleet, showcasing top-level talent in both the Open and Corinthian divisions. Posted on 6 Dec 2025
Melges 24 North American Series nears conclusion
At the top of the ranking is Peter McClennen's Gamecock The 2025 North American Sailing Series has boasted a highly competitive season spanning nearly ten events, beginning with the season opener in St. Petersburg, which also served as the class's Midwinter Championship. Posted on 5 Dec 2025
Melges 24 Class welcomes new Chair
Significant leadership changes announced The International Melges 24 Class Association (IM24CA) has announced significant leadership changes and key championship decisions following its World Council Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, November 22. Posted on 29 Nov 2025
ILCA goes green, Melges 24s and A Class Cats news
The ILCA joins forces with Greenboats, Melges 24s, A Class Cats, Cup news While boats are a fantastic way to get out on the water, explore one's environment, and likely return with a greater appreciation for our natural world, building composite vessels has its environmental tolls. The ILCA and Greenboats want to change this. Posted on 18 Nov 2025
2025 US Melges 24 Nationals at Pensacola overall
Breezy finale delivers a spectacular finish The 2025 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship concluded on Sunday in Pensacola with the best breeze of the entire week—an exhilarating, long-awaited gift for the 40-boat fleet. Posted on 17 Nov 2025
2025 US Melges 24 Nationals at Pensacola day 2
Joel Ronning's Catapult holds a narrow overall lead Day Two of the 2025 Melges 24 U.S. Nationals brought light air and tight racing, with three more races completed. Joel Ronning's Catapult holds a narrow overall lead, while Bora Gulari shone in his new boat Mavi, taking Race 4 and Race 5 victories. Posted on 16 Nov 2025
2025 US Melges 24 Nationals at Pensacola day 1
Ronning takes early lead in picture-perfect conditions on Pensacola Bay The opening day of the 2025 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship, hosted by Pensacola Yacht Club delivered picture-perfect conditions on Pensacola Bay. Posted on 15 Nov 2025
Switch One DesignAllen Dynamic 40 FooterHyde Sails 2024 - One Design