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!”