Record 112 Teams Set to Compete at Melges 15 Winter Series Event 2

The Melges 15 Class is celebrating another milestone at the 2024-25 Winter Series Event 2 January 4-5, drawing a record-breaking 112 registered entries—the largest turnout in class history. Hosted at the new Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, FL, this regatta marks a new chapter of growth and excitement for the dynamic fleet.

Coming off a strong start at Event 1 in November, which drew 66 teams, this second event has nearly doubled in participation, showcasing the mass appeal of the Melges 15. Sailors from across the country—spanning youth, women, couples, and seasoned racers—will come together for a weekend of world-class racing and camaraderie.

“This level of turnout is incredible and speaks to the energy and enthusiasm surrounding the Melges 15,” said Eddie Cox, Melges. “With over 100 boats on the line, this event is a showcase of the mass appeal of the Melges 15 and how suitable the Melges Watersports Center is for large fleets.”

Nestled on Florida’s scenic Space Coast, the Melges Watersports Center provides direct beach access, easy launching, and consistent wind conditions, earning high praise from participants.

“Racing here is a dream,” said Ella Wisely (MN). “It’s easy to focus on performance when everything runs so smoothly, and the atmosphere is so welcoming.”

With 112 Melges 15s, the level of competition is expected to reach new heights. Top performers from Event 1—including Cole Schweda, Emily Haig, and Leopodl Brandl—are set to return alongside a host of new challengers eager to make their mark.

The Melges 15 Class has long been celebrated for its diversity and multigenerational appeal. This event in particular showcases 25% youth skippers, 25% parent-child teams, 20% female skippers, and 40% of skippers over the age of 50. 

“The fleet’s diversity is part of what makes this class so special,” said Scott Barbano (NJ). “It’s exciting to see so many sailors from different backgrounds coming together for an event of this scale.”

Teams are traveling from 22 states and Canada to compete. Driving more than 1,000 miles from Houston, TX, Sean Curry is attending his first Melges 15 Winter Series event.  

“I moved to Texas last year and have been really interested in the Melges 15 from the start. Now, I’m the fleet captain at Houston Yacht Club, and one of our fellow members was kind enough to help send a team here,” Curry said. “Normally, I race keelboats, but even then, it’s nothing like this fleet. I haven’t seen a lineup like this since junior sailing.”

Event 2 will feature two action-packed days of racing, with results, photos, and videos shared on melges15.com. For more information about the Melges Watersports Center and its offerings, visit melgeswatersports.com.

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.  

Announcing the 2025 Melges 15 Championship Series

The Melges 15 Class is excited to announce the 2025 Championship Series, featuring new dates and venues across the U.S. The six-event Series was designed to enhance competition, promote regional fleets, and foster camaraderie among racers.

2025 Melges 15 Championship Series

• Midwinter Championship - March 21-23, 2025 Melges Watersports Center • Merritt Island, FL (Charter - Register)

• East Coast Championship - May 30-June 1, 2025 Centerport Yacht Club • Centerport, NY

• Inland Championship - July 31-August 2, 2025 Minnetonka Yacht Club • Excelsior, MN

• Great Lakes Championship - August 22-24, 2025 Charlevoix Yacht Club • Charlevoix, MI

• West Coast Championship - September 13-14, 2025 California Yacht Club • Marina Del Rey, CA

• National Championship - October 3-5, 2025 Brant Beach Yacht Club • Long Beach Township, NJ

While current owners are encouraged to travel to events around the country, they can also contact Melges and the local dealers to see what charter opportunities are available. Those interested in joining the Melges 15 Class, are encouraged to contact Melges quickly to learn more about getting a new boat in time for their region’s championship. 

To learn more about the Melges 15 Championship Series and how to become an event host, visit melges15.com/championship-series.

Cheers to Melges 15 Rolex Yachtsman & Yachtswoman of the Year Nominees

The Melges 15 Class is excited to congratulate four of its members as Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year nominees. Class Coach Paris Henken, Monica Morgan, Travis Odenbach, and 2021 Rolex winner, Harry Melges IV are among the list of Melges 15 sailors nominated for the 2024 award.

These nominations celebrate not only their individual achievements on the water but also underscore the unique value of the Melges 15 as a premier cross-training platform. 

Designed as the ultimate crossover boat, the Melges 15 enables sailors to excel across various disciplines, including foilers, skiffs, sportboats, and scows, while its responsive handling and unmatched one-design racing foster skill development and adaptability. This dynamic environment contributes to the development of young sailors, helping them progress in the sport.

As nominees for one of the highest individual honors in U.S. sailing, Paris, Monica, Travis, and Harry exemplify how the Melges 15 fosters growth, innovation, and excellence within the sport. The winners of the Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards will be announced in February 2025 at a ceremony in Coronado, CA.

The Melges 15 community celebrates your accomplishments and the impact you’ve made in showcasing what’s possible in this incredible class. Here’s to your continued success and even more unforgettable moments in 2025 and beyond!

Charters Available for Melges 15 European Championship

Charter reservations are live for the 2025 Melges 15 European Championship July 10-13, 2025, in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin. The event is being held in conjunction with the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, Ireland’s largest sailing event, which celebrates its 10th edition over 20 years.

With a dozen charter boats available, the Melges 15 European Championships are expected to draw sailors from around the world. Over 40 boats are expected to compete, making this a significant milestone for the class as the largest European event to date.

The championship schedule includes three days of competitive racing (Friday-Sunday) and a pre-event clinic on Thursday. Competitors will range in age from 12 to 75, and prizes will be awarded across multiple categories to recognize outstanding performances.

In addition to the on-water action, the Irish Melges 15 Class is planning a great social program for visiting sailors, ensuring they enjoy the best of Irish culture and hospitality. Highlights include a golf day, a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, and a swim at the famous Forty Foot bathing spot.

Interested crews are encouraged to reserve boats early due to limited availability. Charters are $2,359 inclusive with dolly, sails, and rigging, plus two practice days. Reservations can be requested at https://bit.ly/m15eucharter.

Inaugural Melges 15 European Championship Scheduled for Summer 2025

The Melges 15 Class is thrilled to announce the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships, set to take place in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, July 10-13, 2025. This event will be a highlight of the Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, Ireland’s largest sailing event, which celebrates its 10th edition over 20 years next July.

The Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta, held biennially, is expected to attract sailors from over 400 boats, ranging from high-performance racing yachts to coastal classics, competing across multiple courses in the iconic waters of Dublin Bay.

With a dozen charter boats available, the Melges 15 European Championships are expected to draw sailors from around the world. Over 40 boats are expected to compete, making this a significant milestone for the class as the largest European event to date.

The championship schedule includes three days of competitive racing (Friday-Sunday) and a pre-event clinic on Thursday. Competitors will range in age from 12 to 75, and prizes will be awarded across multiple categories to recognize outstanding performances.

Irish Melges 15 Class President Theo Lyttle commented, “It is great news that Ireland has been chosen to host the very first Melges 15 European Championships, as part of the prestigious Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta. We are expecting teams from as far away as the USA, Portugal, UK, and Sweden. This will be a great boost to the Melges 15 class in Ireland for 2025.”

In addition to the on-water action, the Irish Melges 15 Class is planning a great social program for visiting sailors, ensuring they enjoy the best of Irish culture and hospitality. Highlights include a golf day, a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, and a swim at the famous Forty Foot bathing spot.

Volvo Dún Laoghaire Regatta Chairman Don O’Dowd remarked, “At VDLR 2025 we are delighted to host the inaugural Melges 15 European Championships. With quality racing assured by our international race officers and an exciting social program our visitors will experience the best of Irish hospitality ashore. It is exciting to be involved with the fastest growing class in the world and the event will be a real spectacle on the water of Dún Laoghaire.”

To enhance the visitor experience, the regatta has appointed an accommodation officer, compiling a wide range of nearby housing options, including private rooms, houses, B&Bs, and hotels, to meet the diverse needs of competitors and their teams.

Eddie Cox, Melges, said, “The Melges 15 Class continues to see unparalleled growth worldwide. The European Championship offers a fantastic chance for competitors from around the world to experience the energy and spirit of the class. We’re excited to partner with such an iconic event for exceptional racing while fostering connections within the international sailing community.”

The Melges team will be on-site throughout the event, not only to ensure world-class racing but also to provide post-race debriefs and expert support.

The waters of Dublin Bay are ready to welcome the Melges 15 fleet for this historic event, combining exhilarating racing and Ireland’s legendary hospitality. Follow melges15.com for more information and announcements.

2024-25 Melges 15 Winter Series Launches with 66 Teams

The Melges 15 Class successfully launched the 2024-25 Winter Series at the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, Florida with a new November event the weekend before Thanksgiving. Attracting 66 teams from across the nation, this debut event marked a fantastic start to the season.

Ahead of the weekend's regatta, Class Coach Paris Henken hosted an intensive two-day racing clinic, drawing over 20 teams for on-water drills in winds up to 25 knots and shoreside debriefs. Using video footage captured by drones and coach boats, sailors received detailed feedback to refine their skills.

“The level of coaching was top-notch. We felt like we went from total baseline in the boat to having a good idea of what we could work on to improve,” said Jeff Daigle (Annapolis, MD). “We have a long way to go together, but we’re coming off the water with smiles and excited to be on the water.”

The Melges 15 fleet embraced its new home at the Melges Watersports Center, situated on the Banana River. This expansive, sheltered venue offers year-round opportunities for racing, clinics, and recreation. With direct beach access, launching, and racing just offshore, the location has been celebrated for its convenience and exceptional sailing conditions.

“To be able to step on and go sailing… Nothing beats that,” David O’Connor (San Diego, CA). O’Connor chartered a Melges 15 with his wife, Eve, earning top couple, and participated in the clinic while enjoying local attractions like Kennedy Space Center. 

The weekend featured four competitive races on Saturday, followed by a day of celebration on Sunday. Cole Schweda and Brent Penwarden took top honors and earned top youth (under 21) with 17 points, followed by top female Emily Haig and Zoe Fisher, and top couple Erik and Aly Storck rounded out the podium with 30 points. 

After a strong start to the Winter Series, the next event is scheduled for January 4. Stay updated on results, photos, and videos at melges15.com. For more information about the venue, visit melgeswatersports.com.