The Melges 15 East Coast Championship wrapped up this weekend with a full range of conditions, strong racing, and a great showing from the class. From big waves to offshore breeze, it was a regatta that pushed teams and showcased just how capable—and fun—the Melges 15 is.
The Melges Team was on site all weekend, with Andy Burdick and Cate Muller-Terhune supporting sailors on and off the water. The Melges van was fully stocked with parts and resources, ensuring teams stayed prepared, tuned up, and ready to race.
Racing got underway Friday at 11am, delivering three races in classic ocean conditions. Big waves and steady breeze made for fast, exciting sailing—especially downwind, where teams surfed down big ocean waves.
Saturday brought a shift, with heavy rain, cool temperatures, and storms delaying racing until 2pm. Once underway, PRO Mark DeGuire and the race committee delivered two quality races in moderate breeze and a solid sea state.
What stood out most was the progression across the fleet. From day one to day two, teams showed noticeable improvement—gaining confidence, pushing harder, and learning to work the waves both upwind and downwind. The racing became more aggressive, more dynamic, and fun to watch.
That evening, Carolina Yacht Club hosted a regatta dinner with a DJ, giving everyone a chance to relax and unwind after a long day on the water.
Sunday brought sunshine and an offshore breeze, but a big sea state remained, keeping conditions dynamic for the final day. With growing confidence across the fleet, the racing wrapped up the weekend on a high note.
Overall, the East Coast Championship was a fantastic event—especially for sailors experiencing true ocean conditions in the Melges 15 for the first time. Big waves, steady breeze, and technical sailing made for a sporty and memorable regatta. The Melges 15 proved once again just how well it performs in these conditions.
A big thank you to Pierce & Kiki Barden, and the entire yacht club team for hosting an outstanding event. The race committee, led by Mark DeGuire and Mary Carol, did an excellent job delivering fair and efficient racing, with AJ Schweda supporting sailors and assisting with Vakaros RaceSense throughout the weekend.
Looking ahead, the Melges 15 National Championship is up next at Lake Geneva Yacht Club. It’s set to be another must-attend event for the class—expect tight racing, great camaraderie, and an exciting championship week on Lake Geneva. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.