The 2025 Melges 24 North American Championship wrapped up in Miami, Florida after three days of competitive racing at the end of January, delivering a fitting finale to the 2025 season. With nine races completed in a wide range of conditions, this is the type of regatta where consistency and discipline can be rewarded.
Day 1 set the tone with warm temperatures, sunshine, and solid racing conditions. The opening races immediately showcased the depth of the fleet, as the first four races (3 races completed on Day 1) were each won by a different team, underscoring just how tight the competition would be throughout the event.
On Day 2, the fleet was met with light air. Racing eventually started after a delay and course relocation in search of steadier breeze. One of the most highlighted storylines of the day came from Zenda Express, who recovered from an OCS to finish second in the race. This comeback stands out in a fleet where racing is tight, with this team’s perseverance paying off.
Day 3 delivered classic “champagne” Miami sailing—warm, sunny, and steady 8–10 knot breezes—providing the perfect stage for the championship’s conclusion. Zenda Express seized the opportunity, closing out the regatta in dominant fashion with back-to-back bullets in the final two races as they secured the overall win.
Team Zenda Express, crewed by Harry Melges, Colleen O’Brien, Ripley Shelley, Alan Terhune, and Will Heurth, claimed the North American title with 25 net points, finishing with a commanding lead over Pacific Yankee in second with 32 points. Mavi rounded out the podium in third with 35 points.
In the Corinthian division, Troublemaker topped the category with 86 points, finishing 11th overall, just outside the top ten in a fleet stacked with professional talent.
With varied conditions and tight racing, the 2025 Melges 24 North American Championship was a fitting and exciting close to the season.
Find the full results HERE and a breakdown of the top teams below.
Want to learn more about the Melges 24 class? Find the S1D Class Profile HERE.
Photos taken by Hannah Lee Noll can be found HERE.
Top 10 Teams Overall:
- Zenda Express – Harry Melges – 25 pts
- Pacific Yankee – Drew Freides – 32 pts
- Mavi – Bora Gulari – 35 pts
- Nika – Christian Schwoerer – 40 pts
- Sentinel – Geoff Fargo – 46 pts
- Flying Jenny – Sandy Askew – 58 pts
- Warcanoe – Michael Goldfarb – 60 pts
- Gamecock – Peter McClennen – 65 pts
- The 300 – Steve Boho – 78 pts
- Mustang – Dick Kalow – 83 pts
Top 5 Corinthian Teams:
- Troublemaker – Edward Gary – 86 pts
- Team Barbarians – Stuart Simpson – 95 pts
- Chop Chop – Matt Hamilton – 127 pts
- Surprise – Dan Berezin – 129 pts
- Smile and Wave – Jaime Torres – 132 pts
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