Doug Kessler and team have won the Melges US nationals

The final day of racing at the US Melges Nationals yesterday was an absolute corker with clear skies, sunshine and 72 degrees. Winds were 10-12 knots from 180-190 degrees. Three races were completed to make the regatta total – nine races, with one throw out.

Doug Kessler had the bit between his teeth and was determined to hang on to his overall lead. He and his P&P Sailing Team sailed the final two races very conservatively to ensure their overall victory scoring a 5 and 6 to win the regatta by 7 points overall.

Behind him Britain’s Roger Peacock and the Black Seal team were delighted with their win in the penultimate race and despite a disappointing 12th in the final race just managed to hang on to their second place overall on count back against Italy’s Flavio Favini helming for Franco Rossini.

Argyle Campbell finally hit his top form finishing the regatta on a big high with a 2, 1 which comfortably secured him fourth place overall ahead of Norway’s Peder Nergaard, Brian Porter and Paula Zubrzycki.