New season, new outlook for Melges IC37

The 2021 sailing season brings with it a new outlook for the Melges IC37, says Ancasta Race Boats.

This mid-sized racer, designed by Mark Mills, is said to be the perfect blend of modern performance and styling, but with enough substance to give owners real confidence at the wheel.

Aside from the double handed arena, there are very few options on the market that cater for serious sailors wanting a fun, fast boat that can be raced competitively under IRC, whilst also affording the option to participate in RORC offshore races.

At 37ft, the company says the Melges IC37 is a capable yacht that is as equally at home in the confines of the Solent during Cowes Week as she is in more open water racing across the Channel or further afield.

With the relaxation of any class rules, the IC37 now allows owners more freedom when it comes to crew make-up and fettling of on-board systems. Previously, this has been done on the heavy displacement lead mines, but with so much time away from the water due to the restrictions brought by Covid-19, it’s said there is an appetite for change.

“As the sailing fraternity finally awakes from the depth of Covid-19 hibernation, the yacht racing future looks bright in both the short and long term,” says Sam Pearson, from Ancasta Race Boats. “Owners and crews have all taken stock whilst away from their racing campaigns and are now looking for a yacht that is not only exciting to sail but cost effective and very competitive under IRC. The Melges IC37 fits the bill perfectly.”

Rear Commodore of Yachting at the Royal Yacht Squadron, Robert “Bertie” Bicket is a prime example of an experienced sailor knowing just how much the IC37 has to offer, says Ancasta, having competed on Fargo his new IC37 for the first-time recently at the IRC nationals.

With Fargo joining Ian Atkins’ ICY, the season is now underway with two IC37s being campaigned in the Solent, and with the crews made up of both older and younger sailors it can be said that these boats cater for a broad market segment.

Ancasta says that any team looking for a new boat to enjoy should revisit the Melges IC37 and find out what makes these quality boats the boat of choice of such renowned veteran sailors.