Melges 15 Midwinter Championship in Sarasota, FL

Stage set for final showdown of the 2021 Winter Series

SARASOTA, FLORIDA (March 25, 2021): The Melges 15 Class is back in Sarasota, FL for the Midwinter Championship, the third event of the 2021 Winter Series.

Thirty boats are registered for the Midwinters with nearly half the fleet competing in all three winter series events. Between events, visiting Melges 15s were welcomed into weekday racing alongside the Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s growing fleet of member-owned boats.

“The Squadron has been the perfect venue for our Winter Series,” said Andy Burdick, President of Melges Performance Sailboats. “It’s easy to ramp or beach launch, there’s affordable monthly storage, and exceptional hospitality.”

Going into the weekend, Emily Haig is leading the series in cumulative points. Finn Burdick and George Sipel are also in contention for podium spots providing no shortage of competition. A few of the top teams from the January event are returning, though, which may lead to a shake-up in the standings.

Melges has offered charter boats throughout the series available to those wishing to demo the new design. After a quick introduction to the boat, teams have been on their way climbing quickly in the rankings due to the boat’s ease of use. “Just the basics of going out to sail the Melges 15 are so easy; it’s what makes the boat so popular,” explained Burdick. “The fun and speed are built into the boat.”

Follow the action from the three-day event starting March 26 on the Melges Facebook and Instagram accounts. Results will be posted to Regatta Network. Learn more about the Melges 15 Class and read daily recaps on melges15.com.