2024 Melges 15 Winter Series Opens with Record Numbers

The first event of the 2024 Melges 15 Winter Series kicked off in Jensen Beach, FL, attracting over 90 boats. After two days of competition and four races, Luke Arnone and Cameron Giblin led the masses with a 21-point advantage.

The Melges 15 continues to prove that is a platform that anyone can sail. Almost half the fleet was in the 22-49-year-old age bracket with 25 youth skippers, 36 skippers over 60, 4 boats in the Mega Master division at 70+, and a dozen female skippers. A notable number of new faces were racing the Melges 15 at their maiden event including husband/wife team Phil and Abby Tanner, who spent their first weekend away from their 15-month-old and 5-year-old.

“I probably haven’t sailed in a fleet like this since I was 16 years old,” added Phil.

Abby added, “You’re always in the action! It was super exciting and a lot more manageable than I thought it would be. Every race was more and more fun.”

Across the weekend, competitors were met with a variety of challenges, from shifting winds to tactical course layouts. Day One was cut short after only one race as storms enveloped the Sunshine State and a tornado threatened Martin County. Day Two had winds varying winds from 10-18 knots as a cold front entered the stage.

“We haven’t seen a turnout like this since our Opti careers. It was incredible,” said Giblin. “It speaks to how well-designed the boat is and the community it attracts.”

Speaking about their success at the event, Arnone added, “It was a culmination of our sailing experience to date. We had great conditions - we were planing downwind and got the boat moving really well through the chop.”

The 2024 Series is powered by Vakaros’s RaceSense, software that allowed all four races to be started under the P-Flag.

Pete McGriff and JJ Smith, were over early at the start of Race 4. The pair saw the red light on their Atlas 2 and took action to clear themselves immediately before dueling it out with James O’Gwen/Aidan Cunningham and Arnone/Giblin for the race win.

Despite being over early in three out of four of the races, Travis Odenbach and Monica Morgan placed fourth overall.

“I learned that I may be too aggressive of a starter - RaceSense will catch you!” remarked Odenbach. “The greatest thing about being new to the Melges 15 is that you learn something every race. We found a new gear upwind and down and it seemed to work! At the end of the day, it comes down to learning the new equipment and never believing that we are out of the race.”

The next event is set for February 24-25 with the Midwinter Championship March 22-24. The early bird deadline for Event 2 is January 18. Email sales@melges.com for details on getting a new boat in time for February. More information on the Winter Series can be found on melges15.com/winter-series.

SPINNAKER SWEEPSTAKES

Win an American Flag Melges 15 Spinnaker!

We need your help! Fill out this questionnaire for your chance to win an American Flag Melges 15 spinnaker. By filling out this form you are agreeing to let Melges use your statements and send marketing information. The lucky winner will be chosen at the Winter Series Event 2 awards ceremony.

95 Boats to Open 2024 Melges 15 Winter Series

The highly anticipated Melges 15 Winter Series is kicking off in spectacular fashion this weekend in Jensen Beach, FL, boasting an incredible record of 95 boats registered. Sailors from across the country are convening at the US Sailing Center of Martin County, to mark yet another milestone in the early history of the Melges 15 Class.

The success of the Melges 15 Winter Series sets a high standard for one-design racing worldwide not only with its appeal and numbers but with the introduction of Vakaros’s RaceSense. RaceSense is a game-changing technology for race management with the ability to call the start with centimeter accuracy putting an end to general recalls, black flag starts, and protests.

This event is an opportunity for Vakaros to run its technology through the paces using RaceSense in its largest fleet to date.

“There are few platforms in sailing that allow for this type of racing with this size fleet: it’s an incredible test for RaceSense and a testament to the Melges 15 Class’s forward thought to be here throughout the Winter Series,” commented Todd Wilson, Cofounder of Vakaros.

Teams that don’t already have Vakaros units will be supplied with demo units for the three-event series. The Vakaros team will be onsite for the events to run data-driven debriefs leveraging insights from the Atlas’s data logging.

Participants, ranging from early adopters to passionate newcomers, are gearing up for a weekend with big fleet action in the forecasted breeze.

"We are thrilled to witness such an overwhelming response to this year’s Winter Series," said Eddie Cox, from Melges. "To see 95 boats registered for our first event of the year is a testament to how great the boat is. It truly underscores the dedication and passion of this Class."

Racing runs Saturday-Sunday, January 6-7 in Jensen Beach, FL. For more information on the Melges 15 Winter Series and upcoming events, visit melges15.com/winter-series. Follow the racing on Clubspot at https://bit.ly/3s65Oiq.

13 Boat Fleet of Melges 15 Dinghies Set for Howth Yacht Club in Spring 2024

Sarah and Mark McLoughlin on a demo sail in the Melges 15 dinghy off Howth

Originally Published by Afloat.ie

After a successful demo weekend at the end of October, a full container of twelve Melges 15s will be heading to Howth Yacht Club for Spring 2024 to supplement the existing boat there.

Family is a predominant theme amongst the orders, with cross-generational sailing being a common theme amongst the purchasers.

The demo weekend on October 28/29 saw hourly demo sails from 10 AM to 3 PM each day in Medium to Fresh conditions. While none of the participants had sailed the Melges15 before, they were quick to get to grips with the boat and put her through her paces. Different combinations sailed, Husband and wife, father and daughter, mother son, daughter and friend, and even a three-up combination. While rarely raced three up, crews of three are allowed as per class rules, and it was interesting to see this configuration thrive, says Melges 15 Ireland promoter John Sheehy.

Trying out a three-up combination in the Melges 15 dinghy off Howth

Conditions on Saturday, especially the sea state around Ireland’s Eye kept everyone on their toes. Bragging rights for top speed of the day went to skipper Michelle Evans, tagging 15 knots blasting towards Lambay Island with husband Mike trimming the kite. The youngest skipper on the day was Optimist sailor Sarah McLoughlin, showing her dad Mark the way as they zipped around.

A Melges 15 during the demo sessions off Ireland's Eye, Howth. Photo: Tom Ryan

Sunday brought new testers and firmer winds. Most sailing took place in the lee of Howth, where, initially, flatter water allowed the sailors to push the boat and themselves to their limits. A particular mention for the sailor celebrating his 70th birthday that weekend who chose 25knots true wind and large choppy waves off Ireland’s eye as the place to celebrate. After a long, fun weekend of sailing, the usual debriefs, and discussions in the bar, Howth sailors are looking forward to this new fleet arriving early next year with plans for weekly sailing and events underway. With a 13-boat fleet, Howth takes over from Dun Laoghaire as the leading fleet in Ireland.

Demo weekends will continue through the Winter in different clubs across the country as the class looks to build on its launch momentum, according to Sheehy.

Built to Last: The Melges 15's Unwavering Focus on Durability

In the world of small sailboat design and construction, the Melges 15 stands alone for its complete dedication to durability and longevity. Every aspect of this sailboat’s design and build process has been meticulously honed to ensure it can endure the demanding conditions faced by clubs and institutions.

Here, we’ll delve into the Melges 15 build process, highlighting how it incorporates reinforced high-impact zones, modern materials, and building techniques to enhance the sailboat’s durability for club and institutional use:

1. Setting the Standard for Durability

Right from its inception, the Melges 15 has been engineered with a core principle: durability. At every step of the design and build process, club and institutional use have been at the forefront of decision-making. The proof is in the results and since May 2021, over 545 boats have been produced with not a single boat being warranted due to structural issues.

2. Precision Meets Durability

A cornerstone of the Melges 15’s durability is the infusion process, a state-of-the-art technique that guarantees precision and uniformity in the boat’s structure. Unlike other club-used small boats that use a wet lay-up process, the Melges 15’s infusion process is tailored to withstand the rigors of institutional use. This method ensures a uniform and consistent input of both resin and fiberglass resulting in an industry robustness and consistency, a key factor in longevity.

3. Strength Without Compromise

Another feature of the build process that truly distinguishes the Melges 15 is its use of high-strength, high-quality biaxial fiberglass. Unlike the traditional chopped strand mat fiberglass found in many other boats, this unique choice grants the Melges 15 exceptional strength across the entire vessel. This notable feature is not commonly found in competitor boats in this market, giving the Melges 15 an edge in durability and performance that sets it apart from the crowd.

4. Unmatched Bonding Strength

In the world of sailboat construction, Methacrylate Structural Adhesive is the ultimate fiberglass bonding adhesive, and it’s an exclusive feature of the Melges 15. Unlike other club and institutional boats, the Melges 15 employs Methacrylate bonding to ensure that every joint seam and bulkhead is permanently bonded. This technology not only enhances the boat’s structural strength but also guarantees its resilience, even in challenging conditions. It’s another example of how Melges goes the extra mile to provide a superior product that will stand the test of time.

5. Meeting Institutional Demands

Recognizing the rigorous demands of institutional use, the Melges 15 strategically reinforces high-impact zones, including areas near the daggerboard trunk, the bow, and the transom. This additional reinforcement is vital in ensuring the boat’s ability to withstand the stresses and impacts associated with frequent use.

6. Making Repairs Effortless

The Melges 15 utilizes an ingenious sacrificial board plate that simplifies repairs in the case of grounding. Unlike traditional boats, where grounding can lead to expensive and time-consuming fiberglass repairs, the Melges 15’s design allows you to keep sailing with minimal hassle. With a quick 15-minute swap of the board plate, you’re back on the water, ready for your next race. This user-friendly feature is a game-changer, especially in institutional settings where ease of maintenance is paramount.

7. Ensuring Resilience

The choice of aluminum for both the Melges 15’s rudder and daggerboard allows for high-performance sailing but also ensures that even if these components are accidentally grounded, dropped, or subjected to other forms of misadventure, they remain in good shape. Aluminum’s innate strength and resistance make it the ideal material to withstand the stresses and occasional mishaps that may occur during busy and active use.

Learn more about including the Melges 15 in your programming by emailing sales@melges.com.

Revolutionizing Regattas: Melges 15 Class Brings RaceSense to the 2024 Winter Series

Melges Performance Sailboats is thrilled to partner with Vakaros to bring RaceSense to the 2024 Melges 15 Winter Series in Jensen Beach, FL.

Vakaros introduced RaceSense in 2021 as a game-changing technology for race management. RaceSense can call the start with centimeter accuracy, putting an end to general recalls, black flag starts, and protests. It can enforce boundaries, handle scoring, and even show you a live leaderboard while you race.

The Melges 15 Class aims to continue pushing the sport forward by offering a fun, fast, and stable platform that anyone can sail. Nearly 60 Melges 15 teams are preparing to flock south for a premier regatta experience at an affordable price. By offering RaceSense at the 2024 Melges 15 Winter Series, the Class aims to elevate the regatta experience. The season kicks off January 6-7, 2024 at the US Sailing Center of Martin County in Jensen Beach, FL.

“Fun is a top priority both on and off the water,” said Eddie Cox, Melges Performance Sailboats. “When attending an event, the focus should be on racing rather than dealing with multiple general recalls or excessive downtime between races. By incorporating RaceSense, we'll optimize our time on the water with competitive races, which will give us more time for a great party and keep things fun for everyone.”

Teams that don’t already have Vakaros units will be supplied with demo units for the three-event series. The Vakaros team will be onsite for the series to run data-driven debriefs leveraging insights from the Atlas’s data logging. Additionally, they will host an educational webinar after the Midwinter Championship in March.

Shop Melges Sailing Supply for free international shipping on Vakaros instruments. For more information on the Melges 15 Winter Series, visit melges15.com. Follow the Melges 15 Class on Instagram @melges15class and Facebook.com/melges15 for regatta updates.

The Ultimate Guide to the Winter Series

Planning for the Melges 15 U.S. Winter Series is exciting, but can also be a bit overwhelming if it’s your first time and you don’t know where to start. The Melges Team and its partners have put together a number of services to create a seamless and budget-friendly experience.

STEP 1: Don’t Miss a Deadline!

The Winter Series offers a number of opportunities to save on entry fees. Don’t miss out on the savings!

• November 1: Final Day to Save on the Series

• December 1: Last Day to Save on Event 1

• January 19: Last Day to Save on Event 2

• February 23: Last Day to Save on Midwinters

Step 2: Arrange Your Boat’s Transportation

The Melges 15 Class is partnering with The Dude Drives LLC to offer roundtrip transportation to Jensen Beach, FL. Starting at $1.3k round trip, we're making winter sailing affordable for you.

Roundtrip transportation will be offered from the following locations:

• Minneapolis, MN

• Pewaukee/Lake Geneva, WI

• Point Pleasant, NJ

• Annapolis, MD

If you are not located close to one of the designated locations, The Dude Drives may still be able to accommodate your transportation needs. Fill out the form to check availability.

BONUS: GET FREE DELIVERY TO EVENT 1

Don’t own a Melges 15 yet? You’re in luck! We’re offering FREE delivery of new boats to the January event. Email eddie@melges.com for more information. Share this offer with your friends!

Step 3: Get Your Boat Ready to Move

Whether you’re shipping your boat with The Dude Drives or hauling it yourself, make sure your boat is protected from the elements. The Melges travel cover envelopes both the hull and deck of your boat, keeping it dry and protected while on the road or in storage.

The US Sailing Center of Martin County is designed for beach launching. It is strongly recommended that you have a dolly for this purpose. If you don’t have one, we can deliver one to the January event free of charge (savings of $75!).

During events, we recommend the Melges full deck cover to keep your boat clean and dry when you’re not on the water.

Step 4: Book Transport & Storage

Racing in two regattas or the whole series? Safely store your boat between events for peace of mind. The storage facility is located approximately 20 minutes from the event venue. There are options for boats with and without trailers as well as multi-boat box trailers.

Book transport to and from storage - we make it easy! Once your boat is ready for transit, you can take it directly to the designated drop-off location at the Sailing Center.

*Boats without trailers do not need to book transportation. Transport to and from storage is included in the fee.

Step 5: Rigging Services

Arriving last minute? Leaving in a rush? Enjoy a hassle-free event when you book rigging services. Prior to the practice race, any cover will be removed, your mast will be stepped and the boom attached. After the event, drop your boat at the designated drop-off location and hit the road!

Step 6: Pack the Essentials

Order parts and sails from Melges Sailing Supply by December 20 for FREE delivery to the January event. If you forget something - we’ll have spare parts onsite!