Rochester Yacht Club Melges 15 Fleet Blends Competitive Racing & Family Fun

The large grey box trailer, fully adorned with Melges 15 sail numbers and Rochester Yacht Club graphics, is the harbinger of the New York-based fleet’s arrival at any regatta venue.

“We originally got the idea from Chris Fretz and the New Jersey fleet. Then I wanted to jazz it up,” said Billy Farmer. “Jeff Sullivan, Travis Odenbach, and I did the build-out in Travis’s barn. My mom helped with the graphics—we wanted to capture the spirit of our yacht club and the boats.”

The trailer, loaded with multiple boats, spare parts, and every tool imaginable, travels around the country, making it an economical transportation solution for all owners involved.

Sitting on the Genesee River by Lake Ontario, Rochester Yacht Club is home to 14 boats and hosts racing on Tuesday nights and every other weekend.

“We keep things casual and fun, but when racing, very competitive. We have college sailors, pro sailors, world champions, North American champs, and people who just enjoy learning and sailing. The best part about our racing is someone different almost always wins a race any given night,” explained Odenbach. “A lot of us grew up in the RYC junior program, so not only are we best friends but great rivals.”

Most of the owners are in their 30s and 40s, and many are newlyweds or parents.

“For the most part, I race with one of my three boys, ages 13, 16, and 17,” said Kris Werner, fleet member and owner of the local Quantum loft. “I sail weeknights and local regattas with each of them, alternating who drives and who crews. If my boys are busy, I sail with junior sailors from our club.”

During the Winter Series, the RYC fleet turns the February event into a family vacation, flying the whole crew south for a week at the beach, Disney, a resort, or adventures on Big Bill Farmer’s Boston Whaler for swimming and boating.

“When the trailer is loaded in November, we are going south not only to race sailboats but for our family vacation,” said Sullivan. “We can’t forget the most important items: beach toys, scooters, pool floaties, kids' lifejackets, and backup car seats.”

During the regatta, the waterfront comes alive with a tailgate-like atmosphere featuring kids building sandcastles, coolers, beach chairs, and pop-up tents.

“Melges has a great model. We are only on the water for four hours, so when we hit the shore, the spouses get a break, and the kids help de-rig,” elaborated Sullivan. “They’ll run around the boat park asking the important questions: Did you see any dolphins? Any sharks? Any octopuses? Most importantly, did you beat Trav? Everyone is extremely kind!”

As the RYC Melges 15 fleet continues to grow, the camaraderie and competitive spirit remain its core strengths. The blend of serious racing and family-oriented fun creates a unique and vibrant community that thrives both on and off the water. By engaging the younger generations, they have ensured that the fleet will continue for years to come.