U.S. Melges 24 Class introduces inaugural 2025 Southeast Regional Racing Circuit

Southeast Regional Racing Circuit © Joy Dunigan

The U.S. Melges 24 Class Association (USM24CA) is thrilled to introduce the inaugural 2025 Southeast Racing Series (M24SERS), offering a new and exciting racing opportunity for all Melges 24 teams within the U.S. Southeast region. The seven-event Series which spans iconic sailing venues such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Miami, Charleston, Pensacola and Lake Lanier, include three premier regattas: the Midwinters Championship (February), U.S. Nationals (November), and the North American Championship (December).

The Notice of Series (NOS) has been issued: Download it now.

2025 Melges 24 Southeast Racing Series of Events includes:

1. Commodore's Cup / January 18-19 - Tampa, FL - Register Online.
2. Midwinter Championship - Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta / February 14-16 - St. Petersburg, FL - Register Online
3. Southeast Inland Championship / March 29-30 - Lake Lanier, GA
4. Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point / April 10-13 - Charleston, SC - Register Online
5. M24s of Summer Regatta / October 18-19 - Tampa, FL
6. U.S. National Championship / November 14-16 - Pensacola, FL
7. North American Championship / December 11-14 - Miami, FL

The Southeast has forever been a hotspot for Melges 24 racing and the M24SERS builds on this legacy. Scoring for the Series will be based on each team's top four finishes across the season, ensuring a competitive year of racing in the Southeast region. The focus is on fostering participation among Corinthian (amateur) teams while celebrating the spirit of the Melges 24 Class.

Tony Stanley, U.S. Melges 24 Southeast District Governor, emphasized the Series' mission: "The Series is designed to promote Melges 24 racing in the Southeast. With seven incredible events taking place at some of the most fun places to sail, all Melges 24 owners are invited to compete!"

This M24SERS effort is guided by Jaime Torres, owner of Smile and Wave, alongside fellow Davis Island Yacht Club member and Melges 24 Mustache Ride owner Nadia Daggett, both passionate supporters of growing the Melges 24 fleet on Florida's West Coast and beyond.

Torres, who recently came to the fleet in early 2024 with USA-545, has now acquired a second Melges 24, USA-829, and is one of the Class's biggest advocates: "The Southeast Racing Series will provide an incredible opportunity for teams in the Southeast, but also from all across the country and world to showcase the energy and talent in the Melges 24 Class while building camaraderie and excitement. No matter where you are you will want to race this Series to the max!"

Stay close to the official website of the M24SERS. Event updates and results will be made at this link: Melges 24 Southeast Racing Series

In addition, you can follow the Davis Island Yacht Club Melges 24 Fleet here, and on Instagram.