World Championships in the USA 2.0

The cancellation carousel of 2020 was particularly brutal for world championship as COVID-19 restrictions prevented international events from having many international entrants. Caught in the cross hairs were both the J/70 and Melges 24 classes which were to host their annual title events in the USA.

Both classes are looking for better luck in 2021 at the same venue.

For the J/70, that’s in California at Marina del Rey on August 11-15, which is a long ways to go for European teams. However, host California Yacht Club is breathing a bit easier with 75 teams on the registration list, boosted by Mexico with 11 entrants.

With the 2021 Melges 24 championship in South Carolina at Charleston on April 13-17, that might be more convenient for the Europeans but possibly too soon in the pandemic cycle. With 27 entrants, only three teams aren’t waving the USA flag.

“We understand that perhaps not everyone will be able to attend or travel as easily as in the past, but many can,” said Laura Grondin, Melges 24 Class Chairwoman.

With a final entry deadline of April 3, Regatta chair Randy Draftz is doing everything under the sun to make it enjoyable and safe for everyone. “With Charleston Race Week serving as a warm-up to Worlds, we are poised and ready to assist teams who want to race. We can help with issuing travel invitations and/or helping teams make their plans.”

With social celebrations and gatherings not being held, and all participants encouraged to employ the greatest consideration for everyone’s health, Grondin is hopeful a quality competition will suffice. “Our goal is to ensure opportunities for our sailors to sail and race their boats, where and when they can — safely.”