Melges 24 National Championship at Haven Ports Yacht Club

A fleet of Melges 24s enjoyed a full programme of seven races in glorious weather in Dovercourt Bay, with Ben Stone's New Tricks ultimately emerging victorious over David Pinner's Kiss.

Boats of a variety of ages travelled from the Hamble, Brightlingsea, and Southwold to join the regulars at Levington Marina for four races on the Saturday in light to moderate airs, and a further three races on Sunday as the wind freshened.

For many crews, the highlight of the series was the final race, not only did the majority of the fleet stay in close contact, but the final legs were held at planning speeds - leading to some entertaining and loud moments at the leeward mark.

Kiss enjoyed the best of Saturday's racing with one first place and three seconds, and so won the John Merricks Memorial Trophy, but it was New Tricks that dominated the Sunday and so gained overall championship honours.

All credit, however, must go to the Race Officer, who not only put on a great series as the wind shifted, but also coped with having to swap Saturday's rather luxurious committee boat for something rather smaller and much less stable on the windier Sunday.

With many of the crews soon heading off this summer to the Nordic and Italian series, and to this year's World Championships in Sardinia, it is good to see the activity occurring in the class.

Overall Results:
If you took part in the Melges 24 nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here