One of the defining strengths of the Melges 15 Class is its commitment to helping sailors improve. When you join the Melges 15 Class you gain access to top-level coaching, world-class sailors, and structured learning opportunities that are built directly into the class experience.
At the Melges 15 Winter Series Event #3, sailors will benefit from two outstanding educational sessions designed to get sailors of all skill levels up to speed and maximize fun!
On Friday, sailors can participate in the Melges 15 Winter Series Clinic, led by Justin Assad and Esteban Forrer.
Justin is a highly respected coach with decades of experience developing competitive sailors from youth programs through the collegiate and high-performance levels. Formally the head sailing coach at Dartmouth College, he has led teams to multiple national championship appearances and produced numerous All-American sailors. His coaching style emphasizes clear fundamentals, confident decision-making, and practical tools that sailors can immediately apply on the racecourse.
Esteban is the Head Sailing Coach at Rollins College. He brings a rare blend of elite collegiate sailing credentials and top-tier one-design performance, making him a valuable resource within the Melges 15 community. He recently finished third at the 2025 European Championship, one of the most competitive international events in the class, and second at Winter Series Event #2, which featured a 135-boat fleet. Competing at the very front of such deep fleets highlights Esteban's ability to execute consistently across a wide range of conditions and race scenarios.
The clinic starts at 9:30 am and includes both chalk talks and on-the-water sessions.
The learning continues Friday at 4:30 with a Big Fleet Tactics interactive seminar hosted by Jonathan McKee at the Melges Pro Shop. Fresh off his win at Melges 15 Winter Series #2, Jonathan will break down the nuances of racing in large, highly competitive fleets—covering starting strategy, positioning, risk management, and how to maximize your performance in a big fleet. As an Olympic gold and bronze medalist, multiple world champion, sailing hall of fame inductee, and respected educator, Jonathan brings a rare ability to translate elite-level experience into actionable insight.
This seminar is included and open to all Melges 15 Winter Series registrants. When you buy a Melges 15, high-quality coaching and access to the best sailors in the world are part of being a class member.
From on-the-water clinics to informal dockside conversations and evening chalk talks, the Melges 15 Class is intentionally built around learning, growth, and community. Whether you’re new to the class or a seasoned competitor, these opportunities ensure that every event delivers an opportunity to improve and maximize fun!