News

Impressive 30-Boat Lineup for Second Winter Series Event
SARASOTA, FLORIDA (February 26, 2021): Thirty Melges 15s are preparing for the second event of the Winter Series in Sarasota, FL taking place February 27-28. The 2021 series consists of three events culminating in the Midwinter Championship March 26-28.   The impressive turnout is a combination of owners, young talent, and new charters from 15 states. After placing top three in the first two class events, Emily Haig (New Jersey) and her father, John, are a duo to be reckoned with. The Haigs hail from Fleet 1 at Little Egg... Read more...
Save on Winter Series Event Boats
A limited number of Melges 15 event boats will be available for purchase after the Midwinter Championship in Sarasota, FL! Join the Melges 15 Class without waiting for a new build. These 2021 models are in like-new condition and marked down $700 plus an additional 10% off the full deck cover and dolly. Boats must be picked up from the Sarasota Sailing Squadron after Midwinters (March 28). Reserve your boat today! Try Before You Buy Let Melges help coordinate a charter boat for the remaining Winter Series events, February 27-28... Read more...
Talent-stacked Podium at Winter Series Opener
SARASOTA, FLORIDA (January 11, 2021): A cold front couldn’t quell the excitement of having 25 boats racing in the first event of the Melges 15 Winter Series January 9-10 hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. J.J. Smith and Will Murray outperformed the fleet finishing top 2 in all six races. Flanking the podium were parent/child teams Finn and Andy Burdick and Emily and John Haig. Big breeze kicked things off for Friday’s clinic hosted by Melges Performance Sailboats. A number of teams were sailing the Melges 15 for the first... Read more...
Melges 15 Class Makes Winter Series Debut
SARASOTA, FLORIDA (January 8, 2021): The Melges 15 Class is making its winter debut in sunny Sarasota, FL January 9-10. Hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and supported by Melges Performance Sailboats, the 2021 three-event series is in high demand among a group of sailors looking to compete. The first event of the Winter Series sold out with 25 boats - a mix of early advocates, new owners, and first-time charterers. With fleets popping up around the country, racers are representing a dozen different states. Sailing on the Sarasota Bay... Read more...
Fleet 1 Hosts High School Sailing Clinic
Melges 15 Fleet 1 hosted a clinic on Barnegat Bay, NJ for a group of high school sailors introducing them to the new boat and asymmetrical spinnakers. The group was primarily comprised of 420 and Laser sailors, most of which had no experience on the M15. “I was able to learn a lot about the boat this weekend, as we were fortunate to have a day of light air and a day of stronger breeze,” said 16-year-old James O’Gwen. “One of the most important things I focused on as a skipper... Read more...
Announcing the Melges 15 Winter Series
The Melges 15s are headed south for the inaugural Winter Series in Sarasota, FL. The Winter Series is a three-event series hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Sarasota is celebrated for having warm water and consistent winds along with the nation’s top-rated beach, iconic sunsets, and historic shopping districts. Conveniently nestled between two international airports, the southern venue is ideal for weekend escapes with friends and family. In addition to racing the Winter Series, Melges 15 owners can race in the club series hosted by Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Melges will... Read more...
Melges 15 Invitational - Inaugural Regatta Hosted by Fleet 1
ZENDA, WISCONSIN (October 12, 2020): A little more than four months after the world debut of the Melges 15, twelve boats gathered at Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club (Beach Haven, NJ) for the inaugural Melges 15 Invitational. Pioneered by local, Chris Fretz, LEHYC is home to Melges 15 Fleet #1 after taking delivery of six privately-owned boats in June. Fleet 1 now has nine boats and is looking forward to continued growth and helping establish other fleets on Barnegat Bay.  “This event really shows what’s possible here on the Bay... Read more...
A New Boat in Town
By Mark Werder In a haze of infinite working from home boredom and a deep longing to be back on a racecourse, many hours were wasted pouring over the internet watching videos, searching for tips and techniques, dreaming of what might be the next boat. It was in this mode that the next addition to our home fleet would be added. I, like many of you reading this, already have a great little fleet of boats at home. Our fleet may even be excessive, but you really need to cover... Read more...
First Impressions with Bob Mosby
Bob and Krista Mosby of Asheville, NC were searching for a boat they could sail together and with their son before he left for college. After looking at everything from outdated, one-design dinghies to the larger sportboats, they found a sweet spot with the modern Melges 15. Melges: What is your sailing background? How long have you been sailing? Bob Mosby: I am 58-years old and have been sailing since I was six. I was raised on the Chesapeake Bay and sailed or raced everything from Sunfish to NACRA catamarans... Read more...
First Impressions with Chris Fretz
Chris Fretz was among the first to sail their new Melges 15 in July. He and a few friends at Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club (Beach Haven, NJ) had been searching for a double-handed boat that could handle their home water’s chop and sand bars. After the teaser was released in early May, they quickly decided that the M15 was the boat they had been waiting for. Melges: What is your sailing background? Chris Fretz: I learned to sail as a kid in Sunfish and Hobie cats, but didn’t get... Read more...
Introducing the Melges 15
ZENDA, WISCONSIN (May 19, 2020): Melges Performance Sailboats is proud to announce the latest addition to its lineup, the Melges 15. Designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges, the new double-handed boat prioritizes stability, comfort, ease of use, and performance. “The Melges 15 appeals to a wide range of skill levels and sailors while serving a variety of purposes,” introduced Harry Melges, CEO of Melges. “The Melges 15 creates a clear pathway for junior sailors to get started and stay excited about sailing while also being comfortable and accessible enough... Read more...