World Class Sailing. World Class Venue.
The Melges 24 World Championship is finally coming to Harbor Springs in 2026, hosted by the Little Traverse Yacht Club. After years of planning and a unanimous vote from the Melges 24 Board, with competing candidate venues, we are set to host the top sailors from around the world here in our home waters of Little Traverse Bay in September 2026. It has been nearly 30 years since a world championship of this magnitude has come to our area, and we look forward to showcasing our vibrant area, businesses, people and hospitality during this beautiful time of year.
The International Melges 24 is the world’s leading high performance one design sportboat. It offers exciting and demanding competitive sailing and attracts top professional and amateur sailors from around the globe. From its beginnings in 1992 the class has already grown to nearly 900 boats worldwide. The design of the Melges 24 boat has set the standard in the high-performance sportboat category, and has stood the test of time.
The Melges 24 has a well established international racing circuit with classes at many of the most prestigious regattas as well as many stand alone Melges 24 events including annual National, Continental and World Championships, the venues for which vary each year. Melges 24 sailing is a glamorous and photogenic sport. Melges 24 regattas are held in some of the most beautiful and prestigious venues in the world and, despite its prestige and pre-eminence in the sailing calendar the racing at major events is conducted in a spirit of friendly rivalry. It is this atmosphere that attracts so many people to the boat and guarantees the popularity of events.
Our vision is to showcase local businesses of our area during this world class event. We ask that you join us in making this a most memorable world championship for all participants from around the world.
No amount is too small. We are asking for sponsorships as well as product and service donations. This event will be made possible by the wonderful volunteers of our community and support of our local businesses.
Are you ready to join us? Reach out to us here or email George Peet directly at ghpeet1@gmail.com.