Photo Credit – Pierrickcontin.fr/IMCA

Congratulations to Brian Porter and his crew Andy Burdick, Matt Woodward, and Federico Michetti for their down-to-the-wire win at the Sperry Top-Sider Melges 24 World Championship, September 30-October 5, on San Francisco Bay. In a big range of wind conditions, the Full Throttle team compiled a 12-1-(16)-3-6-3-2-8-4 series for 39 points in the 59-boat fleet. In second, with 41, was Italian Flavio Favini, 2001 World Champion and current European Champion, at the helm of Franco Rossini’s Swiss entry BluMoon. Favini led by one point going into the final day. In third overall was Denmark’s Kim Christiansen with 47 points. Thirteen countries were represented in the nine-race regatta.

Brian, who has been runner-up three times in previous Melges 24 World Championships, held the U.S. National class title in 1999, 2007, 2008, and 2010 and the 2006 North American title. He recently won the 2013 Class E season championship for the Commodore Gordon Bartels Trophy at LGYC.

Other LGYC members competing in the San Francisco Yacht Club event were 2002 World Champion Harry Melges III in 9th overall; Michael Keefe, 33rd; Steven Boho, 37th; and Frank Davenport, 51st and 18th in the Corinthian standings.

For complete results, dramatic videos and photographs, go to the International Melges 24 Class Association website at www.melges24.com.

Check out Brian Porters interview with Sailing Anarchy Here