News

Melges Mayhem Regatta Report
By Pierce Barden, M15 Cape Fear Fleet Captain Eighteen Melges 15 teams gathered at the Carolina Yacht Club in Wrightsville Beach, NC for the first annual Melges Mayhem Regatta on May 4-5. Sailors from across the Southeast participated and included teams from NC, SC, GA, and FL. The Carolina Yacht Club, situated on the Atlantic Ocean, provided a great venue and hospitality. The club has a history of hosting major championships such as the Lightning Worlds, Lightning Pan Am Trials, Sunfish Worlds, Lightning NAs, Laser Nationals, Lightning ACCs, and Laser... Read more...
Melges 15 Offers Action-Packed Summer Calendar
Join the action! The Melges 15 has a full event calendar for anyone interested in joining one of the fastest-growing one-design classes in the world.  Since its launch in 2020, more than 800 Melges 15s have been sold worldwide attracting a diverse range of sailors—from seasoned veterans looking for competitive racing to new sailors seeking a thrilling and approachable platform. The design offers a fun sailing experience so you can enjoy time on the water with friends and family.  As the summer sailing season gets underway, there are Melges 15... Read more...
Annapolis Triple Crown Series
Introducing the Melges 15 Triple Crown Series in Annapolis! Join us for three regattas over five weeks in the waters of Annapolis. Sailing World Series Regatta – May 3-5 (Coinciding with the Kentucky Derby) SSA Spring Series – May 18-19 (Preakness Weekend) Melges 15 East Coast Championship – June 7-9 (Belmont Stakes Weekend) Event Highlights: Competitive Racing: Test your skills against top sailors. Convenient Location: All regattas take place in Annapolis. Housing Available: Accommodations upon request. Free Boat Storage: Complimentary storage between regattas. Fundraiser for a Cause: Join us for... Read more...
West Coast Melges 15 Fleet Shines at Big Dinghy Regatta
By Tim Clarke, Vela LA The West Coast Melges 15 fleet ventured to Richmond Yacht Club for the Big Dinghy Regatta April 13-14. Teams traveled from Southern California and Washington to showcase the M15.  With a big breeze on Saturday, the competitors put on a good show. The boats handled the conditions perfectly with wind in the high teens gusting into the twenties. Sunday was lighter with more current to deal with, resulting in plenty of lead changes. After 7 races, Brian Savery and Tim Clarke were tied for first... Read more...
Sarasota Clubs Collaborate for a Weekend on the Water
1 weekend, 2 regattas, 3 meals, 11 trophies, 20+ boats! By Jennifer Ikeda-Faugust Fleet 2 at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron hosted its inaugural Spring Melges 15 regatta on April 14, 2024. By combining with the Sarasota Bay Cup Regatta, hosted by Bird Key Yacht Club on the 13th, participants enjoyed a full weekend of sailing. SSS kicked off the events with practice races on Friday afternoon, followed by a Welcome Party at BKYC with an abundance of drinks and hors’ d’oeuvres. Saturday’s breeze was sporty as over 20 competitors headed... Read more...
2024 Melges 15 Nationals Registration Open
Registration is open for the 2024 Melges 15 U.S. National Championship August 23-25 at Grand Traverse Yacht Club in Traverse City, MI. This year’s Championship is gearing up to be the largest Nationals to date and will feature the stunning late summer backdrop of Pure Michigan’s coastline. Three days of racing are scheduled alongside shoreside parties and a fleet dinner. Leading up to the Nationals is the Championship Series - class-sanctioned events designed to enhance competition, promote regional fleets, and foster camaraderie among racers.: East Coast Championship June 7-9, 2024... Read more...
Melges 15 Boat Care Best Practices
Keep your Melges 15 in prime condition for years to come! We have compiled a list of best practices for boat care and maintenance to ensure you get the most out of your boat. The following guidelines are in accordance with the Melges standards and warranty. Rig Tension We recommend reducing your rig tension after sailing each day by using the rig tensioner provided with each new boat. Cleaning Your Boat To clean your Melges 15 use Dawn soap and water, use a degreasing soap to get road grim off.... Read more...
136 Boats Race in 2024 Melges 15 Winter Series
The Melges 15 Class is experiencing an unprecedented season, marked by a remarkable turnout of 136 teams participating in the 2024 Winter Series. The Midwinter Championship runs March 22-24, 2024 at the US Sailing Center of Martin County in Jensen Beach, FL.   Ninety boats, representing a competitive field, are vying for the coveted Midwinter Championship title and the series trophy this weekend. Returning for their third event are Event 1 winners Luke Arnone and Cameron Giblin from Bay Head, NJ. As the overall series leaders, they’ll be duking it out... Read more...
Manso/Leal Win European Winter Series Event 1
Paulo Manso and Tiago Leal won the inaugural stage of the Melges 15 European Winter Series in Cascais, PRT. Hailing from Madeira Island, Manso demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenging conditions earning firsts in all but one of the six races sailed.  John Sheehy and his daughter Katie from the Royal St. George Yacht Club in Ireland closely trailed the leaders, starting and finishing strong in the first and last races. Local talents Joana Madeira and Diogo Pinto secured the third spot with a consistent performance, recording all top 5 finishes.... Read more...
Melges 15 Winter Series Event 2 Winner Decided in Final Race
The Melges 15 Class concluded its second of three Melges 15 Winter Series events this weekend in Jensen Beach, FL. With 78 boats on the starting line and a full range of challenging conditions, the action was intense up and down the leaderboard. Culminating in a four-team battle in the final race for the overall regatta win, the event witnessed tight racing across different divisions. Keiran Searle and Declan McGranahan clinched the overall honors with a bullet in the final race. Battling between second and sixth in Race 4, the... Read more...
Fresh Faces Bring New Competition to Melges 15 Winter Series Event 2
The Melges 15 Winter Series is set to continue its season with the much-anticipated Event 2, taking place February 24-25 in Jensen Beach, FL. Building on the first event's success, 84 Melges 15s are gearing up for two days of competition and fun in the Florida sun. The Melges 15 Winter Series has become a highlight of the winter sailing calendar, attracting friends and families from across North America. A number of newcomers are joining the ranks as well to bring fresh competition among mixed fleet.  Mike Schroff and Abby... Read more...
Melges 15 Momentum Builds Deep in the Heart of Texas
In a move to enhance its sailing program and add value to its club membership, the Houston Yacht Club recently purchased nine Melges 15s. The strategic decision not only underscores the club's commitment to fostering a vibrant sailing community but also speaks to the appeal of the Melges 15’s design. The Melges 15 is a modern dinghy known for its stability, performance, and versatility. Designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges Performance Sailboats, the Melges 15 has quickly gained international popularity among sailors of all levels for its exciting characteristics. ... Read more...