Charleston, SC — Congratulations are in full order for Melges 24 Charleston Race Week Champion — Bruce Ayres and his Monsoon team of Mike Buckley, Jeff Reynolds, Brent Rhune and Jessica Koenig. After three days and seven races, never once did Ayres relinquish his overall lead. 

Local favorite Guy Mossman on Battle Rhythm fought hard and proud, submitting only one of two single-digit scorelines in the fleet to finish second overall.

Texas native Steve Rhyne on Mojo finished third, while Seattle's Kevin Welch on Mikey with Jeff Madrigali at the helm took fourth. Rounding out the top five was Charleston Corinthian Champ Kevin Gillman on Giddy up.

The final day of racing in Charleston was nothing short of frustrating. Very light breeze, at times less than 5 knots with a challenging current played havoc with the Melges 24 fleet. Corinthian Champion Gillman claimed the one and only race win of the day.

TOP FIVE RESULTS (After Seven Races - FINAL)
1.) Bruce Ayres, Monsoon; 1-1-6-2-6-[25/DNS] = 18
2.) Guy Mossman, Battle Rhythm; [9]-2-3-5-3-2-6 = 21
3.) Steve Rhyne, Mojo; 2-6-2-3-[10]-7-6/ZFP = 26
4.) Kevin Welch/Jeff Madrigali, Mikey; 17-[25/OCS]-1-1-1-1-9/ZFP = 30
5.) Kevin Gillman, Giddy Up; 4-10-5-10-[14]-2 = 38