Melges Asia Pacific Builders Report

 2012 MELGES ASIA PACIFIC BUILDERS REPORT The Melges 24 fleet in Australia has grown to twenty-­‐five boats, spread around the country throughout five states. The regatta schedule runs from late August through to April, with more boats joining the regatta program each event. A motivated group of owners has seen South Australia purchase the newest Melges 24 and run its first State Titles during 2012 resulting in subsequent local fleet growth. Seven boats race competitively at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Sydney, the headquarters of Melges Asia Pacific. Due to the sustained Australian dollar, it has been more viable for new boats, most recently AUS 831, to be ordered and delivered direct from Melges Boat Works. While the Australian dollar is close to and above parity some potential new boat owners have purchased good quality used boats direct from the USA. Five Australian teams are campaigning for the SF Worlds, two teams purchasing second boats in the US to date. Pending the announcement of the 2014 World Titles to Australia we anticipate orders of up to ten boats, which we look forward to building. There are enquiries on available used boats and new boat enquiries from current owners looking to upgrade as well as new owners to the class focusing on the Worlds. Melges Asia Pacific has been working collaboratively with the National Class Association on promotion, regatta planning and management. Our step on, step off regatta service has been utilized by owners keen to participate but are unable to take the time out for some of the interstate regattas. In the current market it has been the peripheral areas of service, maintenance, deliveries, parts as well as our used boat brokerage and charters that have seen growth. Providing all Melges owners with quality service is paramount, in December we move into a larger workshop space increasing our waterfront presence. In 2012 Melges Asia Pacific hosted a well-­‐attended and informative coaching clinic. Guest coach Professional international Melges Yachtsmen and local sailor Nathan Wilmot shared his experiences and expertise along with Heath Walters, Australian Melges 24 and Sport boat Champion and recent M24 East Coast Championship winner and Professional Yachtsman, Chris Links from Melges Asia Pacific. The next coaching clinic is in the pipeline for early 2013. Our focus moving forward is to increase our presence, promotion and boat sales in the Asian Markets and increased regatta participation and boat sales as we move towards the worlds in Australia. L to R: Chris Links, Nathan Wilmot, Heath Walters At the Melges Asia Pacific Coaching Clinic