Fargo named 2024 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series Champion
by U.S. Melges 24 Class Association on December 2 at 15:30 PST
The 2024 North American Sailing Series Champion Geoff Fargo sailing Sentinel races downwind in San Francisco during the World Championship held last August, ultimately clinching the victory! © Zerogradinord / International Melges Class Association
The 2024 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series (NASS) was more than just competition—it showcased a season brimming with remarkable talent, intense rivalries, high-caliber events, vibrant locations, and a plethora of enjoyment! With ten regattas held across the United States and Canada, the series united Melges 24 sailors from coast to coast and around the globe in a celebration of the skill and camaraderie that epitomize the Class.
The NASS graced various venues, from the challenging waters of San Francisco Bay during the World Championship to the picturesque settings of West Vancouver for the Canadian Nationals. Each event challenged sailors’ adaptability and ability, making for one of the most captivating series in Class history.
Leading a leaderboard with over 90 contenders, 2024 U.S. National Champion Geoff Fargo at the helm of Sentinel claimed the title of overall 2024 Melges 24 North American Series Champion. Congratulations to Geoff and his team for a remarkable season, as they narrowly defeated Bacardi Winter Series Champion Bora Gulari and his Kingspoke team by a mere point to secure the championship.
Finishing in third place, 2023 National Ranking Series Champion Dan Berezin and his Surprise team continued their strong performance. With this finish, Dan and his crew have also been honored as the 2024 Melges 24 Corinthian North American Champions—a distinguished achievement recognizing the skill within the amateur ranks of the fleet.
Completing the top five Corinthian results, U.S. Melges 24 Class President Scot Zimmerman on Bad Idea (2nd), the legendary Mike Dow on Flying Toaster (3rd), West Coast veteran Kent Pierce racing Average (4th), and Fred Rozelle on Rustler (5th) rounded out the standings.
In 2024, out of the ten regattas held, each team’s three highest scores contributed to the final results.
Looking forward, the 2025 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series is set to deliver another exciting season with ten events planned throughout North America. The series will commence with the Midwinter Championship at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta in St. Petersburg, Florida, and will feature significant stops including Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point in South Carolina and the U.S. National Championship in Pensacola, Florida, next November. The season will conclude with the 2025 North American Championship in Miami, coinciding with the start of the 2025-2026 Bacardi Winter Series.
Final Results: (top ten)
1.) USA – Geoff Fargo, Sentinel = 64 pts.
2.) USA – Bora Gulari, Kingspoke = 63 pts.
3.) CAN (C) – Dan Berezin, Surprise = 54 pts.
4.) USA – Cuyler Morris, Dark Horse = 49 pts.
5.) USA – Sandra Askew, Flying Jenny = 49 pts.
6.) USA – Andrew Picel, Take Off = 46 pts.
7.) GER – Peter Karrie, Nefeli = 45 pts.
8.) USA – Sam Nadeau, Green = 44 pts.
9.) USA (C) – Scot Zimmerman, Bad Idea = 44 pts.
10.) USA – Anthony Kotoun, Stepping Razor = 42 pts.
Corinthian Results: (top ten)
1.) CAN (C) – Dan Berezin, Surprise = 54 pts.
2.) USA (C) – Scot Zimmerman, Bad Idea = 44 pts.
3.) USA (C) – Mike Dow, Flying Toaster = 32 pts.
4.) USA (C) – Kent Pierce, Average = 31 pts.
5.) USA (C) – Fred Rozelle, Rustler = 30 pts.
6.) USA (C) – Duane Yoslov, Looper = 30 pts.
7.) USA (C) – Harry Vigrass, Tomfoolery = 27 pts.
8.) USA (C) – Matt Hamilton, Chop Chop = 26 pts.
9.) USA (C) – Gary Schwarting, Obsession = 25 pts.
10.) USA (C) – William Morang, Rapscallion = 24 pts.
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