Scott Nixon Wins Melges 24 Class At Charleston Race Week
Scott Nixon aboard USA-751 Quantum Racing has won the highly-contested Melges 24 division at Charleston Race Week 2009. Among his crew, are 2008 North American Champion companions Amy Ironmonger and Brian Janney. After three days and nine races while competing against some of the best sailors in the world, Nixon is officially the very first to win back-to-back Charleston Melges 24 titles — as a helm and as a tactician. In 2008, he called the shots for winner USMCA President and IMCA Vice Chairman (US) Travis Weisleder.
Currently a resident of Annapolis, Md., Nixon is no stranger to Charleston. His expertise and local knowledge paid big dividends this weekend. He lived in Charleston from 1993 to 1995 as the coach of the College of Charleston sailing team.
Going into the last day of racing Argyle Campbell on USA-795 Rock n' Roll from Newport Beach, Calif. was seated in the overall lead, only one vital point ahead of Nixon in second place. In third, also one point out was day one regatta leader John Kolius from La Porte, Tx. on USA-776 KO Sailing.
With the potential for three more intense races on tap for the final day only, the 31-boat strong Melges 24 fleet went back to racing under semi-overcast skies and breeze on conditions.
South Carolina native Robbie Wilkins on USA-725 Vamoose took control early in the first race rounding the top mark in first, followed by Nixon challenging for second with Simon Strauss on USA-757 Simplicity. Beyond the top three the rounding was tight as Wilkins, Strauss and Nixon vied for position. Nixon, knew that an early jump on the fleet would swing the scoreboard in his direction as he pulled out ahead of Strauss, then Wilkins for the win. Strauss hung in for second, in third was another hot, young Melges 24 local racer, David O'Reilly on USA-700 ARDOR/C.R.E.A.M, Wilkins settled for fourth.
The last race of the event found Kolius with the pressure required to maintain a win and a second place overall position. He pulled across the finishline some two to three boat lengths ahead of USMCA Southeast District Governor Steve Kopf on USA-773 Blur-Pacific Energy Ventures in second. Strauss had an outstanding day with a third place finish.
The U.S. Melges 24 Class would like to thank 2009 U.S. Championship Series title sponsor — SLAM. Congratulations to the top three winning teams as they will take home some sweet, race ready embroidered gear. We are especially thankful to all the teams that competed, especially to those that traveled from the West Coast and overseas. Many special thanks to the event organizers — Brad and Meaghan Van Liew with staff for delivering an outstanding event.
TOP TEN RESULTS
1.) Scott Nixon, Quantum Racing; 3-1-[11]-2-4-3-9-1-4 = 26
2.) John Kolius, KO Sailing; 1-5-4-2-[15]-8-2-10-1 = 33
3.) Argyle Campbell, Rock n' Roll; 5-4-2-3-5-1-[12]-11-10 = 41
4.) John Pollard/Jens Wathne, Party Girl; 13-7-6-7-8-2-1-9-[14] = 53
5.) Steve Kopf, Blur-Pacific Energy Ventures; 10-3-10-9-3-6-11-[18]-2 = 54
6.) Simon Strauss, Simplicity; 15-2-1-[32/DNF]-20-5-7-2-3 = 55
7.) Peter Lane, Brickhouse 539; 9-14-5-10-1-4-[19]-12-5 = 60
8.) Henry Filter, Wild Child; 2-10-7-[14]-10-9-8-6-9 = 61
9.) David Dabney, CharlestonEyeDoctor.com; 8-[19]-12-5-2-17-6-5-8 = 63
10.) David O'Reilly, ARDOR/C.R.E.A.M.; 6-12-[21]-11-7-12-3-3-15 = 69
Full Results
Charleston Race Week 2009 was event number five of thirty SLAM U.S. Championship Series events and the third 2009 North American Ranking event on the International Melges 24 Schedule. There are many more high-powered Melges 24 events coming your ways soon. Everyone is reminded of:
2009 Annapolis NOOD - April 24-26
Annapolis Yacht Club; Annapolis, Md.
2009 Seattle NOOD - May 15-17
Seattle Yacht Club & Corinthian Yacht Club; Seattle, Wash.
2009 Autonet Mobile Melges 24 U.S. National Championship - June 11-14 - ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
St. Francis Yacht Club; San Francisco, Calif.
2009 Melges 24 World Championship - October 23 - November 1 - ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Eastport Yacht Club; Annapolis, Md.
MEDIA PLAY
Check it out! A host of commentary, photos and videos are all available online:
Official Event Web Site
Video Coverage
Racing
Friday: Recap and Promo
Saturday: Recap and Promo