The Melges 24 which was designed by Reichel/Pugh in 1992, features many America's Cup innovations. The use of carbon fibre, vertical lifting carbon fin keel with lead bulb, a kelp cutterinstalled for weed clearance, carbon spar, rudder and bow spirit. These innovations are on the cutting edge for production sailboats and makes the boat taht much more enjoyable for the top racing sailor as much as enhancing the pleasure for the weekend racer.