The Great Lakes Sports Commission is proud to support the 2026 Melges 24 World Championship, set for September 19–26 at Little Traverse Yacht Club in Harbor Springs.
The international championship will bring top sailors and Melges 24 teams to Little Traverse Bay for one of the most respected titles in one-design sailing. Little Traverse Yacht Club will host the event in cooperation with the International Melges 24 Class Association and the U.S. Melges 24 Class Association.
A world championship on northern Michigan waters
Harbor Springs offers a distinctive combination of competitive freshwater sailing, established regatta expertise and a welcoming waterfront community. The championship will showcase those strengths to an international field while introducing visiting athletes, teams and supporters to the broader northern Michigan region.
The event builds on a strong tradition of Melges 24 racing in Michigan and the Midwest. Pre-Worlds competition and other class events provide opportunities for teams to prepare before the global fleet competes for the World Championship and Corinthian titles.
Supporting international events and regional visibility
GLSC’s support reflects its mission to attract meaningful sports events, build regional partnerships and generate economic activity across northern Michigan. A weeklong international sailing championship creates direct opportunities for area lodging, dining, retail and marine businesses while raising the profile of Little Traverse Bay as a premier competition venue.
GLSC joins Little Traverse Yacht Club and a growing group of community and industry partners supporting the championship. Together, these organizations are helping ensure athletes and visitors experience an event worthy of a world title.