Melges 24 fleet brings corinthian heart and soul to 2026 Midwinters

Winter fades and the Melges 24 season comes roaring to life February 13–15, 2026, as the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series returns to St. Petersburg, hosted by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Serving as the Melges 24 Midwinter Championship, the regatta officially launches the 2026 North American Sailing Series while continuing the momentum of the Southeast Racing Series. Long regarded as one of the class’s cornerstone events, St. Petersburg holds a special place on the Melges 24 calendar—both as a true season opener and as a reunion for some of the class’s most passionate sailors.

St. Pete’s is already indicating another strong Midwinter fleet, with 20 Melges 24 teams destined for the starting line and a roster dominated by Corinthian talent. With only a select few professional programs expected—including Andrew Picel’s Takeoff, Peter McClennen’s Gamecock, Sam Nedeau’s Green and brand new to the fleet Lindsey Duda with Sin Duda—this year’s championship is shaping up to be a true all-amateur showdown. Like the open division, the depth of Corinthian experience in the fleet promises tight racing, constant position changes, and the kind of tactical intensity that defines St. Pete at its best. For many teams, this is precisely why they return: a level playing field, high-quality competition, and the chance for weekend sailors, families, and longtime teammates to test themselves against the very best in the division.

Additionally, the US Melges 24 Class is very excited to be welcoming some new faces to the fold: Mark Snyder’s Honcho, Jim Rapp’s Merlin, Chris Woodall’s OxCart, Kevin Hayes’ Psycho, Bobby Waltz’s Responsibly Funded with Justin Rose at the helm, and fresh back from Miami - 2025 Corinthian North American Champion Eddie Gary racing Troublemaker.

The regatta also carries forward the momentum of the 2026 Southeast Racing Series, which opened at Davis Island’s Commodore’s Cup in January and now shifts across Tampa Bay for its second stop. Valentine’s Day weekend in St. Petersburg has long marked the moment when the Melges 24 season truly gears up and gets into stride. Known for its reliable, manageable conditions and welcoming atmosphere, St. Pete’s offers racing that rewards preparation and precision—while still leaving room for dockside camaraderie and post-race swopping of war stories.

Adding further value as the event gets underway, teams are taking part in a dedicated Melges 24 training and tuning session beginning Wednesday prior to racing. Led by Quantum Sails coaches alongside reigning North American Sailing Series champion and defending St. Pete winner Peter McClennen and his Gamecock program, the structured practice blends dockside rig discussions, focused on-the-water drills, and detailed debrief sessions. Designed with Corinthian teams squarely in mind, the goal is practical: sharpen boat handling, streamline communication, and unlock incremental speed gains that translate directly into smarter, more confident racing once the first warning signal sounds.

At its core, the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Pete’s is about more than finishing positions. It is about the shared rhythm of a new season, the familiarity of a beloved venue, and the simple satisfaction of being back on the water with a competitive fleet in the warm, fun, Florida sunshine. With championship points on the line and camaraderie equally abundant, the Melges 24 Midwinters once again delivers the perfect blend of pressure and perspective—just in time for Valentine’s Day.