Charters Available for Melges 15 European Championship

Charter reservations are live for the 2025 Melges 15 European Championship July 10-13, 2025, in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin. The event is being held in conjunction with the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, Ireland’s largest sailing event, which celebrates its 10th edition over 20 years.

With a dozen charter boats available, the Melges 15 European Championships are expected to draw sailors from around the world. Over 40 boats are expected to compete, making this a significant milestone for the class as the largest European event to date.

The championship schedule includes three days of competitive racing (Friday-Sunday) and a pre-event clinic on Thursday. Competitors will range in age from 12 to 75, and prizes will be awarded across multiple categories to recognize outstanding performances.

In addition to the on-water action, the Irish Melges 15 Class is planning a great social program for visiting sailors, ensuring they enjoy the best of Irish culture and hospitality. Highlights include a golf day, a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, and a swim at the famous Forty Foot bathing spot.

Interested crews are encouraged to reserve boats early due to limited availability. Charters are $2,359 inclusive with dolly, sails, and rigging, plus two practice days. Reservations can be requested at https://bit.ly/m15eucharter.

Inaugural Melges 15 European Championship Scheduled for Summer 2025

The Melges 15 Class is thrilled to announce the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships, set to take place in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, July 10-13, 2025. This event will be a highlight of the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, Ireland’s largest sailing event, which celebrates its 10th edition over 20 years next July.

The Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, held biennially, is expected to attract sailors from over 400 boats, ranging from high-performance racing yachts to coastal classics, competing across multiple courses in the iconic waters of Dublin Bay.

With a dozen charter boats available, the Melges 15 European Championships are expected to draw sailors from around the world. Over 40 boats are expected to compete, making this a significant milestone for the class as the largest European event to date.

The championship schedule includes three days of competitive racing (Friday-Sunday) and a pre-event clinic on Thursday. Competitors will range in age from 12 to 75, and prizes will be awarded across multiple categories to recognize outstanding performances.

Irish Melges 15 Class President Theo Lyttle commented, “It is great news that Ireland has been chosen to host the very first Melges 15 European Championships, as part of the prestigious Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta. We are expecting teams from as far away as the USA, Portugal, UK, and Sweden. This will be a great boost to the Melges 15 class in Ireland for 2025.”

In addition to the on-water action, the Irish Melges 15 Class is planning a great social program for visiting sailors, ensuring they enjoy the best of Irish culture and hospitality. Highlights include a golf day, a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, and a swim at the famous Forty Foot bathing spot.

Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta Chairman Don O’Dowd remarked, “At VDLR 2025 we are delighted to host the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships. With quality racing assured by our international race officers and an exciting social program our visitors will experience the best of Irish hospitality ashore. It is exciting to be involved with the fastest growing class in the world and the event will be a real spectacle on the water of Dún Laoghaire.”

To enhance the visitor experience, the regatta has appointed an accommodation officer, compiling a wide range of nearby housing options, including private rooms, houses, B&Bs, and hotels, to meet the diverse needs of competitors and their teams.

Eddie Cox, Melges, said, “The Melges 15 Class continues to see unparalleled growth worldwide. The European Championship offers a fantastic chance for competitors from around the world to experience the energy and spirit of the class. We’re excited to partner with such an iconic event for exceptional racing while fostering connections within the international sailing community.”

The Melges team will be on-site throughout the event, not only to ensure world-class racing but also to provide post-race debriefs and expert support.

The waters of Dublin Bay are ready to welcome the Melges 15 fleet for this historic event, combining exhilarating racing and Ireland’s legendary hospitality. Follow melges15.com for more information and announcements.

2024-25 Melges 15 Winter Series Launches with 66 Teams

The Melges 15 Class successfully launched the 2024-25 Winter Series at the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, Florida with a new November event the weekend before Thanksgiving. Attracting 66 teams from across the nation, this debut event marked a fantastic start to the season.

Ahead of the weekend's regatta, Class Coach Paris Henken hosted an intensive two-day racing clinic, drawing over 20 teams for on-water drills in winds up to 25 knots and shoreside debriefs. Using video footage captured by drones and coach boats, sailors received detailed feedback to refine their skills.

“The level of coaching was top-notch. We felt like we went from total baseline in the boat to having a good idea of what we could work on to improve,” said Jeff Daigle (Annapolis, MD). “We have a long way to go together, but we’re coming off the water with smiles and excited to be on the water.”

The Melges 15 fleet embraced its new home at the Melges Watersports Center, situated on the Banana River. This expansive, sheltered venue offers year-round opportunities for racing, clinics, and recreation. With direct beach access, launching, and racing just offshore, the location has been celebrated for its convenience and exceptional sailing conditions.

“To be able to step on and go sailing… Nothing beats that,” David O’Connor (San Diego, CA). O’Connor chartered a Melges 15 with his wife, Eve, earning top couple, and participated in the clinic while enjoying local attractions like Kennedy Space Center. 

The weekend featured four competitive races on Saturday, followed by a day of celebration on Sunday. Cole Schweda and Brent Penwarden took top honors and earned top youth (under 21) with 17 points, followed by top female Emily Haig and Zoe Fisher, and top couple Erik and Aly Storck rounded out the podium with 30 points. 

After a strong start to the Winter Series, the next event is scheduled for January 4. Stay updated on results, photos, and videos at melges15.com. For more information about the venue, visit melgeswatersports.com.

Melges 15 Winter Series Debuts at New Merritt Island Venue

The Melges 15 Class has launched the 2024-25 Winter Series at the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, Florida. This November event, a brand-new addition to the series, has attracted 66 teams from across the nation, marking a strong start to the season.

Kicking off the week, Class Coach Paris Henken led an intensive two-day racing clinic, where over 20 teams participated in on-water drills and training sessions. Each day concluded with shoreside debriefs featuring video footage, offering sailors in-depth performance analysis.

“The coaches had drones and coach boats, and were always behind us telling us what to do and where to make corrections,” explained Dale Gordon (Madison, WI). “Then we came back, watched the footage and the coaches explained everything. It was unbelievable feedback. We’re so thankful that we had this opportunity.”

The Melges 15 fleet is settling into its new home at the Melges Watersports Center, located on the Banana River. This expansive, sheltered waterway is ideal for small boats, windsurfing, foiling, and human-powered watersports. The center offers year-round opportunities for clinics, racing, and recreation, with direct beach access for launching and racing just a short distance offshore.

“We’re thrilled to race at this stunning venue,” said Jennifer Cregar (Sarasota, FL). “It’s beautiful, convenient, and offers phenomenal sailing conditions.”

The two-day regatta runs Saturday-Sunday, November 23-24. Stay updated on race results, photos, and videos by visiting melges15.com. For more information about the venue, head to melgeswatersports.com.

Introducing Melges 15 Class Coach Paris Henken

The Melges 15 Class welcomes Paris Henken as its Class Coach for the 2024-25 Winter Season. Henken, a 2016 Olympian in the 49erFX Class and an accomplished sailor, will lead the winter clinics and debriefs. 

Having a Class Coach is a fantastic opportunity for sailors to sharpen their skills with one of the best in the sport. With an impressive sailing career, including a bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in the 49erFX, multiple College National Championships titles, three-time All-American, and 2021 Quantum Women's College Sailor of the Year, Paris brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Melges 15 community. Over the past 3 years, Paris has stepped into a coaching role, assisting with various projects, including assistant coach at the College of Charleston, Olympic development in the 49erFX, and she recently helped Team USA reach a podium finish in the 29er at the 2024 Youth World Championships. 

“I am super excited to be a part of a class that has been rapidly growing as not just a competitive 90-boat fleet but also a fleet that showcases what sailing is all about - spending time on the water with your friends and family. I had the opportunity to jump in the boat for a regatta last year and was impressed with not only the boat but also the class culture and community!” said Henken. 

“For young sailors considering Olympic-caliber sailing, this is a great platform to start their journey. For older sailors looking to improve their skills, there’s not much out there that’s more fun to race than a Melges 15.”

All new for 2024, the Melges 15 Winter clinics precede all Winter Series regattas. They feature comprehensive debriefs using onboard data, on-the-water photography, and drone footage, providing sailors with in-depth analytics to maximize learning. 

“When you buy a Melges 15, you join a class committed to offering access to world-class coaching and instruction,” explained Eddie Cox, Melges Performance Sailboats. “We can't wait for everyone to meet Paris and learn from her experiences. Her accomplishments speak for themselves; she's one of the best in the world!”

2024-25 WINTER SERIES CLINIC DATES

• November 21-22, 2024

• January 3, 2025

• February 21, 2025

• March 19-20, 2025

Brant Beach Yacht Club to Host 2025 Melges 15 U.S. Nationals

The Melges 15 Class is excited to announce the 2025 U.S. National Championship, October 3-5, hosted by Brant Beach Yacht Club in New Jersey. Building on the class’s phenomenal growth—now boasting over 900 boats sold—next year’s championship is primed to shatter records, with a heavy concentration of participants from the thriving East Coast fleet.

John Barbano, Regatta Chair, shared his enthusiasm for the event, “The Melges 15 Class has set the bar for participation, inclusivity, and how it embraces technology. We’re so excited to host this prestigious event, and we look forward to welcoming everyone in Fall 2025!”

For the Melges 15 Class, Long Beach Island (LBI) holds a special significance. The area was home to one of the original fleet purchases in 2020, where the Melges Team launched an inaugural regatta with a dozen boats competing in Beach Haven. Today, that legacy lives on, with local sailors like Emily and Dana Haig, Clay Johnson, and Barbano’s son, Scott, continuing to dominate the leaderboards.

“It’s remarkable to see the Melges 15 Class come full circle on the Jersey Shore,” said Eddie Cox, Melges Performance Sailboats. “The East Coast fleets are super competitive, so this event is guaranteed to be fun and have a great turnout!”
For more information on logistics and the area, visit melges15.com/nationals.

Guide to Winter Sailing at the Melges Watersports Center

The Melges 15 U.S. Winter Series has a new home at the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, FL. Along with an exciting new venue, the series has added a fourth event in November!

The Melges Team is committed to making it easier than ever to plan your winter sailing season. From logistics to sails, we’ve got you covered! Check out the updated guide to the Melges 15 U.S. Winter Series below.

Don’t Miss Key Deadlines!

Save on entry fees by registering early:

• November 22, 2024: Last day to save on Event 2

• January 3, 2025: Last day to save on Event 3

• February 21, 2025: Last day to save on Midwinters

BOOK YOUR ROOMS

We’ve partnered with Zig Travel to offer exclusive hotel rates and vacation rentals for all Winter Series events. Zig Travel can also help arrange park and attraction packages, such as trips to Disney or the Kennedy Space Center.

Important: The deadline for Event 1 bookings is October 18!

Prep Your Boat

Whether shipping or hauling your boat yourself, be sure to protect it from the elements. The Melges envelope cover keeps your boat’s hull and deck safe and dry during transport or storage.

Since the Melges Watersports Center is designed for beach launching, don’t forget to bring your dolly! We also recommend using a full deck cover to keep your boat clean and dry overnight.

BONUS: Charter a Melges 15

Don’t have your own boat or traveling a long distance for just one event? You can charter a Melges 15 directly from the Center.

Book Transport & Storage

Store your boat just five minutes from the Melges Watersports Center! We offer both indoor and outdoor storage, plus options for boats with and without trailers and box trailers.

Need transportation to and from storage? We’ve got that covered, too.

Pack the Essentials

Pre-order parts and sails from Melges Sailing Supply for easy pickup at the Melges Watersports Center. Forgot something? No worries—spare parts and fresh gear will be available onsite.

Arrive Early to Sharpen Your Skills

Don’t miss out on pre-event clinics led by the top coaches in the industry! These 1-2 day sessions include high-level coaching, drone footage and analytics, and Vakaros data collection. It’s a perfect way to tune up for the main event and improve your boat handling and racing skills.