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.
“In general, the Melges 15s are well built, durable, and well thought out,” explained Jack Cronan, Rear Commodore of HYC and the catalyst behind the club’s purchase. “Our club members were very supportive of the initiative to bring these boats in.”
“To keep the club going, we really need young couples and young families. This boat is perfect for people who are looking for something new that looks sexy and goes fast, but anyone can get on it,” added Paul Barnes, Sailing Director at HYC. “We finalized the decision mid-December and had the boats delivered in January.”
Club member Jon Larson remarked, “I hope this increases our membership. Our club has a rich history of dinghy racing. I can absolutely see more young people joining the club because of this fleet.”
The Melges 15 is designed to be both competitive and accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of sailors. Whether members are looking to engage in friendly club races, compete in regattas, or enjoy a sail, the Melges 15 offers an exciting experience.
“The M15 in particular is family-friendly and there’s a wide range of folks that can participate whether just sailing or racing,” said Cronan.
A club-owned fleet of Melges 15 reduces costs, provides equal opportunities, centralizes maintenance, facilitates training programs, promotes competitive events, and allows members to explore and test their preferences in a supportive community setting.
“With a boat like the Melges 15, we’re making sailing more accessible for more people whether they’re chartering or buying their own boats,” said Larson. “With a fleet owned by the yacht club, the club can handle repairs, cleaning, and storage, relieving individual members of the burden and ensuring that the boats are always in good condition.”
The Rear Commodore emphasized that not all members may have the means to own a boat, and having a club-owned fleet ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in sailing activities while promoting inclusivity and camaraderie.
Member Park Tupper joked, “Millenials don’t like to own things and I think we’ll be able to get a lot more of my peers down here when they know they don’t have to do anything aside from come out and have fun!”
“The boat is pretty simple to use with a high fun output. It’s easy! You just throw it in the water and go!” added Tupper’s girlfriend, Lauren Walker. “This boat offers an activity for us to do together and have fun.”
The addition of the Melges 15 fleet opens up exciting opportunities for the Houston Yacht Club's racing calendar. Members can anticipate a heightened level of competition as the fleet becomes a focal point for club races and regattas.
“The particulars are such that it’s relatively simple where novices can get onboard and still perform at a level that is comfortable right off the bat,” observed Cronan.
During the club’s first weekend on the water with the Melges 15s, members experienced conditions from 4-20knots on flat water. The nine-boat fleet was joined by a few privately owned boats from around the state.
“I went out for a spin with a youth sailor in the breeze here and it was a blast! For any adults looking to do some dinghy sailing, this is a great class. Not to mention, it’s way more exciting than the youth sailing boats that are out there,” said Larson.
Soon, the club plans to charter the boats to its membership and offer club racing on Friday nights. Eventually, the club hopes to grow the Class in the region and host larger events. Members hope that boats from around the region will join them for some of the events and they can start traveling to National regattas.
The Melges 15 can elevate any club or organization’s programming and provide an accessible sailing experience for members of all ages and skill levels. Email sales@melges.com for more information on scheduling a demo and fleet promotions.