Four races usher in 2024 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship in Santa Barbara

Top competing Corinthian team, ‘Mocos’ charges the top mark to stand third overall at the 2024 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship © Sharon Green / ultimatesailing.com

Four races were completed on the opening day of the 2024 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship, placing Cuyler Morris on Dark Horse in first place overall, followed by Geoff Fargo on Sentinel in second, and the local Corinthian team Mocos, helmed by John Bell with crew members Jeff Grange, Graham Bell, Lauren Bell, and Sarah Schaupeter, in third.

Cuyler Morris leads the 2024 Melges 24 U.S. National Championship by two slim points - photo © Sharon Green / ultimatesailing.com

A wild and shifty day gave the fleet a taste of true Southern California racing conditions. Starting with a moderate 8-10 knots, the wind increased to 12-15 knots, with puffs up to 18 in the third race. Teams are excited to have Day One in the books and look forward to an aggressive and feisty Day Two.

Results after Day 1: (top five, 4 races)

Overall

1. (USA) Cuyler Morris, Dark Horse: 1-2-2-1 = 6pts
2. (USA) Geoff Fargo, Sentinel: 4-1-1-2 = 8pts
3. (USA) Jon Bell, Mocos (c): 6-4-3-4 = 17pts
4. (USA) Ryan Satterberg, 3rd GEN RTN: 2-6-6-6- = 20pts
5. (USA) Andrew Picel, Take Off: 5-5-5-5 = 20pts

Corinthian

1. (USA) Jon Bell, Mocos: 6-4-3-4 = 17pts
2. (CAN) Dan Berezin, Surprise: 3-7-9-3 = 22pts
3. (USA) Kent Pierce, Average: 10-3-8-7 = 28pts
4. (USA) Duane Yoslov, Looper: 7-8-4-11 = 30pts
5. (USA) Bill Guilfoyle, Haka: 14-11-11-8 = 44pts

Full results available here.