Diversified Melges 24 World Championship: Convexity dominates

Day 2 of the 2024 Diversified Melges 24 World Championship brought a thrilling change to the leaderboard as Don Wilson’s Convexity secured three consecutive bullets, breaking away from the fleet and taking a commanding lead. The San Francisco Yacht Club's organization, combined with the iconic conditions of San Francisco Bay, set the stage for a day that will be remembered.

PRO Mark Foster and his Race Committee delivered three challenging races in conditions that tested even the most seasoned sailors. The wind shifted from 200° to 210°, building from 12-14 knots to a gusty 18-20 knots, with gusts reaching up to 24 knots. The upwind legs took 18-20 minutes on the 1.4 NM course, while downwind sprints were completed in just 8 minutes. The first two races started cleanly, but the final race of the day saw a general recall due to the tide turn, leading to the use of the U flag.

Don Wilson’s Convexity dominated the day, winning all three races and extending their lead with a four-race victory streak. Coach Michael Rehe attributed their success to maintaining boat speed, minimizing mistakes, and a bit of luck. "The boys did a great job out there and got the best out of it! Once again, San Francisco Bay delivered," Rehe remarked. He emphasized that they will continue to fight until the last day: "It's never over until it's really over."

Meanwhile, Bora Gulari’s Kingspoke maintained consistent top-three finishes (2-3-2) and holds the runner-up position, just 4 points behind Convexity. Peter Karrie’s Nefeli (7-6-5) also stayed competitive, securing a solid third place overall. Brian Porter’s Full Throttle, a ten-time Melges 24 US Champion and World Champion from the 2013 San Francisco Worlds, climbed to fourth after a strong showing in today's second race. Anthony Kotoun’s Stepping Razor continues to hold fifth place, while 2024 Melges 24 US National Champion Geoff Fargo’s Sentinel is currently in sixth after securing a third-place finish in Race 6.

In the Corinthian division, Mataran 24, helmed by Ante Botica, took the lead after a series of strong finishes. Ivo Matic, owner of Mataran 24, shared insights on how sailing in San Francisco Bay differs from their home waters in Croatia. With a 6-point lead over early Corinthian leader Kent Pierce’s Average, the reigning Corinthian World Champions are proving they’re the team to beat. Duane Yoslov’s Looper also remains in the hunt with consistent performances.

With Convexity sweeping today’s races and tight competition in the Corinthian division, tomorrow promises more excitement and drama on the water.

Back ashore, sailors returned to the warm hospitality of The San Francisco Yacht Club, with stories of the day’s challenges and victories. The Bay Area Charters team provided title sponsor Diversified guests with on-the-water commentary aboard a luxurious Axopar37. After racing, Diversified’s guests enthusiastically led the "Beer Boat" efforts, distributing daily rations provided by Open Water and Trumer Pils for the final journey from Angel Island back to the SFYC docks.

Special guests for the daily awards included David Liebenberg of the Paris 2024 US Sailing Team (Nacra 17) and the SFYC Junior Board, led by Junior Commodore Morgan Frymier. Liebenberg offered behind-the-scenes insights from both the regatta and his life as an Olympic athlete. Team Convexity was recognized for their outstanding three-race win streak, while Ocean Pearl CAN 015 received the daily OCS award, taking home a Ronstan Clear Start sailing watch.

Wednesday's schedule includes two races, with the first warning signal at 11:25 AM.