2025 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series launches with Midwinters
by U.S. Melges 24 Class Association 13 Feb 07:12 NZDT
February 14-16, 2025
2024 Melges 24 Midwinter Champion Jaime Torres at the helm of Smile and Wave will be racing to defend his Corinthian title © Joy Dunigan / US Melges 24 Class Association
The 2025 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series (NASS) kicks off in spectacular style at the Midwinter Championship, February 14-16, held in conjunction with the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series - St. Petersburg.
Also designated as Event No. 3 on the new Southeast Racing Series, the stage is set for three fun days of racing on Tampa Bay.
Midwinters marks the first of ten top-tier regattas spanning the continent, bringing together a growing and thriving Corinthian fleet, and elite competition. Fourteen teams are signed up and the racing action promises to be intense, fueled by the fleet's signature high-performance attitude and challenging conditions in one of the best venues in North America.
2024 Midwinter Champion Steve Boho and The 300 return to St. Pete with one goal—defending their position, going for a third consecutive title. Standing in their way is fierce competition, led by Peter McClennen's Gamecock, featuring a star-studded crew which includes Wilson Stout, Key Becker, Brian Kamilar, and American Magic's Severin Gramm. Also in the hunt is Alex Shaffer's Sweaty Betty, with 2005 Melges 24 Corinthian World Champion Marty Kullman onboard, along with Sam Nadeau's formidable Green team.
In the hotly-contested Corinthian sub-Class, Jaime Torres' Smile and Wave also looks to defend its 2024 title. Among those in the chase are Tony Stanley's Hermes, Gary Schwarting's Obsession, John Poulson's Long Shot, Don Holst's Guten Tag, Beth Owen's Rogue and Amanda Plewes' Firewater.
Beyond the racing, Melges 24 sailors are looking forward to plenty of post-race camaraderie, legendary parties, and Mount Gay Rum flowing freely throughout the weekend. The series' kickoff sets the stage for a landmark season, building toward an exciting return to Florida next November and December, when the U.S. Nationals takes place in Pensacola and the North American Championship in Miami—held alongside Bacardi Winter Series No. 1—will decide the ultimate champions.
Over 90 teams competed on the NASS in 2024, and more teams are expected to battle for the podium this season. Whether in hot pursuit of a major championship trophy or simply reveling in the thrill of high-level sportboat racing, the 2025 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series promises to be bigger, better, and faster than ever.
Southeast racing series underway with two events completed
As the 2025 Melges 24 Southeast Racing Series (SERS) churns and burns, two events have been successfully completed: the Commodore's Cup in Tampa and Bacardi Winter Series Event No. 2 in Miami. Currently, Germany's Peter-David Karrie racing Nefeli leads the standings, followed closely by Harry Melges IV's Zenda Express in second place, and Jaime Torres' Smile and Wave also with 18 points, holds third in the tie-breaker. Full Results (Preliminary, After 2 Events).
Amendment no. 1 issued for North American Sailing Series
Amendment No. 1 to the 2025 North American Sailing Series (NASS) Notice of Series has been issued, outlining key updates for competitors.