MasterClass: Winning Tips for 100-Boat Regattas

The Melges 15 has quickly gained popularity among sailors for its responsiveness and ease of handling, making it a favorite for fleet racing. The 2024-25 Winter Series is attracting a record-breaking 107 boats to its starting line in January, making it one of the largest one-design events in the country.

Navigating a crowded starting line and competing effectively in a fleet of this size requires preparation and strategy. Andy Burdick from Melges has won over 80 championships during the course of his sailing career, spanning four decades in many classes. Here are some of his top tips to help you make the most of your next Melges 15 regatta.

Andy Burdick: Some of my major wins have come in fleets with over 100 boats on the starting line. Over 100 boats sounds overwhelming, but there are some simple points to apply to navigate the chaos and achieve your best results.

1.  During your pre-start routine, keep your boat on the starting line or even slightly above the line. Do not let your boat get below the line and into the mass of other boats. Stay above the line so that you have a sense of where the actual start line is; this also allows you to see upwind. You want to start in the best wind pressure off the start.  Look up the body of water and determine where the best wind is. Be above the line and then dip down 90 seconds before the actual start. Start in wind!

2. Start in the front row and get clear air - it is mandatory! Position your boat in clear air right away. If you are new to the Melges 15 Class or starting in big fleets, start at the windward end of the start line and tack out right away. Instant clear air. If you have great boat handling, duck and weave through traffic to achieve clear air.  The easiest thing is to start in the front row. Focus on speed and achieve clear air this way. Your result will be determined by your start. There may be 107 boats on the line, but only two boats are close to you off the starting line–the boat above you and the boat below! You must beat these boats off the line.

3. Never sail slow. That’s obvious, right? However, major mistakes occur at the top and bottom marks. Keep these points in mind:

   1. When approaching the windward mark, position your boat for ultimate speed.  So many boats will make the mistake of tacking too close to other boats, pinching to make the mark. In this scenario, fouls happen; you go slow and get rolled by windward boats, people hit marks, or even get hung up on marks. You cannot do this–it’s too big of a risk. You are better off sailing clean, a bit beyond the layline, coming in fast, and then hoisting your spinnaker in the “Passing Lane” – a higher lane than the boats below. Approach with speed.

   2. The same principle holds true for the leeward mark. How often do we get in a cluster of boats, and they dictate our sailing angle? You will always sail lower and slower in that group as you approach the leeward mark. All of us are “trying” to make the leeward mark. Never sail slow! Be aware of this scenario halfway down the run and position your boat so that you have clear air and can come into the leeward mark (gates) at full speed. Keep the speed up through your takedown; it will help you get into a good leeward mark position for a fast exit. 

4. Stay powered up if you are in tight lanes with other boats. Hike hard, look for opportunities to point, and get into a clean lane with clear air. Tack out for freedom if need be. Don’t let other boats dictate your result. Look for less traffic, fewer boats, and clear air.  

5. Embrace the challenge.  Nothing is better than approaching the finish and looking back at a 100+ boat fleet. Set your goals—whether it’s a race win, top ten, or top half. Whatever your goal is, enjoy the fact that you have an opportunity to sail in a big fleet with a number of really good sailors and friends. Enjoy the success of the Melges 15 and the people involved. Embrace it. Enjoy it.