43 24’ racing sailboats assemble at Victoria International Marina

43 24’ racing sailboats assemble at Victoria International Marina

Welcoming the Melges24 World Championship Regatta – May 31 to June 9, 2018

By Craig Norris

It is a distinct honour and privilege to be the host marina for one of the most exciting world championship regattas ever held in Canada. The Victoria International Marina in support of host, Royal Victoria Yacht Club, will proudly welcome sailing talent from all over the world for the Melges24 World Championship Regatta, being held May 31 to June 9, 2018.

We are in full ready-mode with the slips scrubbed, supplies stocked, and every last surface polished to a delightful gleam. The brand-new marina is ready to cater to the sophisticated, international audience descending upon Victoria in preparation for the regatta. We’re also excited to share the gorgeous Pacific Marine Lifestyle with the Melges24 community.

Conceptually, when this marina was being designed and engineered, the intent to provide facilities that are luxurious and accommodating enough to support world-class events such as this was part of the scope. So, it is with tremendous pride that we are now hosting our very first esteemed regatta so soon after opening.

We thought it would enrich and enhance the experience of anyone who plans to be here during the 2018 World Championship by sharing a few interesting facts about the Melges24.

  1. Melges24 Championship regattas have not been in Victoria since 2014. That’s when the Canadian Championship was held at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. This global audience will be in good company, as the Royal Victoria Yacht Club is home to the largest fleet of Melges24 racing sailboats in Canada with an active membership of more than 1,000 local yachtsmen and sailors.
  2. There are more than 850 Melges24s worldwide.It is the most popular design produced by Melges Performance Sailboats, a US company founded by Harry Melges, father of former Olympic sailor Buddy Melges.
  3. The first-ever Melges24 World Championships were held in Torquay, England in 1998. This was where Vince Brun of San Diego won the title among ninety-three teams. He is now a two-time world champion.
  4. The Melges24 requires only two sets of hands for quick rig set-up. Weighing in at 1,783 lbs (809 kilos), it is lightweight and easy enough to haul from local club to a World Championship.
  5. The very first prototype of a Melges24 was tested in the snow on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

The Victoria International Marina is fully equipped to effortlessly handle the operations of this regatta, boasting 28 slips, the world’s best drinking water, state-of-the-art security, Wi-Fi technology and more. We look forward, alongside the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, to making this Championship a remarkable experience.

For more information, visit https://vimarina.ca/moorage/berthing-options/