Wah Gwan takes lead at Melges 24 World Championship

The 2026 Melges 24 World Championship in Harbor Springs, Michigan, has seen significant shifts in the standings following the second day of competition. After an opening day led by Peter McClennen’s USA 871 Gamecock, Anthony Kotoun’s Wah Gwan (USA 865) took the lead after six completed races.

On the second day, Wah Gwan secured two wins in Races 5 and 6. With their seventh-place finish discarded, the team holds 13 net points to lead the 49-boat fleet. The competition has been characterized by changing wind conditions, ranging from 10 to 14 knots, which forced the race committee to adjust courses to maintain optimal racing conditions.

Earlier in the event, the first day saw three different race winners: Lindsey Duda Coe’s Sin Duda, Brian Porter’s Full Throttle, and Cuyler Morris’ Dark Horse. The championship continues to feature a highly competitive field with frequent position changes among the top-ranked teams.