In the Press

1-29-2016

R/P-Designed MELGES 20 Selected as Sportboat for 2016 Resolute Cup

January 29, 2016

Designated as the sportboat of choice for the New York Yacht Club’s 2016 Resolute Cup, the progressive Melges 20 raises the bar and sets a new standard for Corinthian style, one-design racing.

(Newport, R.I.) “We are extremely excited to have the Melges 20 class involved in the 2016 Resolute Cup,” says event chair Patricia O’Donnell. “The name Melges has been synonymous with performance sailing for more than half a century. The inclusion of the company’s latest keelboat in the 2016 Resolute Cup will add a dose of speed and excitement to the regatta.”

The New York Yacht Club (NYYC), the International Melges 20 Class Association (IM20CA) and Melges Performance Sailboats have confirmed the Melges 20 as the sportboat of choice for the 2016 NYYC Resolute Cup—with an emphasis is on one-design, Corinthian competition. The regatta, which takes place September 12 to 18, 2016 in Newport, R.I. will feature approximately 30 Corinthian teams from top U.S. yacht clubs competing on a level playing field for an historic trophy and national bragging rights.  The sails will be provided and the rig tune will be standardized across the two different fleets of Sonar and Melges 20 keelboats. Each sailor must be a World Sailing Group One (amateur) sailor, and a member of the club he or she represents. The winner will also earn a berth in the prestigious 2017 Rolex NYYC Invitational Cup. The sporty Melges 20 will be featured as the Gold Fleet boat and will be on display in Newport Harbor, and at the 2016 International Newport Boat Show.

The R/P-designed Melges 20, with its large asymmetric spinnaker, is thought to be one of the world’s most popular and most competitive one-design sportboats. Nearly 40 Melges 20s sailed the 2015 Worlds in San Francisco, the 2015 Melges 24 Worlds boasted 95 boats, and over 100 Melges 24s are expected at the upcoming world championship in Miami.

Source NYYC Jan 28, 2016 for Sail World  and Melges Performance

BUILDER SUPPORTED
With demand for the Melges 20 remaining strong worldwide, participating in the 2016 Resolute Cup will enable the fleet to expand and grow participation. Melges USA is 100% committed to the cause by providing a maximum of 12 brand-new, high-quality 2016 Melges 20s for the event. These new boats will be available for purchase prior to the event at a discounted price, for delivery at the conclusion of the event, and just in time for the North American Championship taking place in Toronto, Canada hosted by the Royal Canadian Yacht Club on September 23-25.

“When presented with the opportunity to support the NYYC’s Resolute Cup and have sailors from all across North America experience the Melges 20 firsthand, the decision was easy,” says Melges USA President, Andy Burdick. “Our goal is to provide sailors with a great racing experience while also allowing interested sailors, future and current owners, and yacht clubs with an opportunity to purchase new Melges 20s at a discounted price.”

2016 Resolute Cup Melges 20 packages will be released in the coming weeks and any teams interested in learning about pricing should contact Andy Burdick at Melges.

TRAINING & CHARTER BOAT OPPORTUNITIES
Teams selected to compete in the 2016 Resolute Cup are encouraged to also compete in scheduled Class events this coming season. Charter boats are available for the U.S. National Championship held in conjunction with Sperry Charleston Race Week in Charleston, SC on April 14-17.

With a strong nucleus in the Newport area, the Melges 20 Class is currently solidifying two events this summer – an informal training regatta on May 21-22, and at the 2016 Sail Newport Regatta. Any and all interested teams are encouraged to contact North American Fleet Manager, Sam Rogers for a detailed list of charter and used boat options available for these events.

ABOUT THE MELGES 20

The Melges 20™ fulfills the need for a more compact and comfortable, yet spacious, fast, well-built sportboat. Upon introduction in 2008, designed exclusively by Reichel/Pugh, Melges brought to market a new standard in sportboat racing. With a well-organized, worldwide event circuit encompassing North America, Europe and Australasia, this sophisticated style of boat attracts sailors that desire close, fair, fun, one design racing. Easy to launch with a simple rig, top-of-the-line parts and equipment, the Melges 20 delivers a complete sailing experience.

ABOUT MELGES USA

Melges Performance Sailboats is the builder of the Melges 20,  and the world leader in performance, one design racing. For more than 70 years, Melges has delivered superior-built scows and sportboats across the country and around the world. Melges proudly provides continuous customer service and product support unlike anyone else. Every Melges 20 is signed, sealed, endorsed and delivered race ready by the best, for the best. For more information about Melges, visit their website at melges.com.

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