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The Melges 24 which was
designed by Reichel/Pugh after the 1992 Cup features many
America's cup innovations. The use of carbon fiber,
vertical carbon keel fin with lead bulb, a kelp cutter
installed for kelp clearance, carbon spar, rudder and bow
sprit. Although these innovations are on the cutting edge
for production sailboats it just makes the boat that much
more enjoyable for the weekend racer.
The Melges 24 is quick and
simple to set up for just two people. The carbon fiber
spar is just 62 pounds fully rigged and is deck stepped in
minutes. The custom Melges mast step allows the sailor to
just put the base into the step, lock in and walk up.
After connecting the roller furler jib, the boom and the
boom vang you are virtually ready to go sailing. It takes
a practiced couple just 25 minutes to fully rig this boat.
Simple is the key word
here. The boat is very stable with its minimum weight
aloft and maximum weight down below. The carbon keel fin
weighs just 35 pounds while it supports a lead bulb of 630
pounds five feet below. This makes for a comfortable sail
in all conditions.
No winches! No winches are
needed upwind or downwind on this 24 foot boat. This makes
your crew happy. With the class jib of 126 sq. ft. you
never worry about difficult trimming.
You sail with either 2-5
people total. Typical one-design sailors race with 4
people in total weighing no more than 793 pounds as there
is a racing weight limit.
Downwind sailing in your
Melges 24 is the most fun! With the carbon bow sprit you
can easily set and hoist your Melges asymmetrical with
limited crew work and zero foredeck work. Once you have
your asymmetrical set you are able to sail high angles for
speed or low angles for comfort. Gybing is as easy as
1-2-3. Just ease your current sheet, gybe the boat, trim
your new sheet to fill the asymmetrical. Viola, you are on
your new gybe.
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