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The Melges 15 Hits a Sweet Spot

• By Timothy Cole
• Updated: March 30, 2021

My wife, Sarah, is my secret weapon for a lot of things, especially when it comes to mark roundings on Barnegat Bay, where she learned to sail. About 60 years later, she and I are racing our brand new Melges 15, and we’re in the hunt. We’re nearing the top mark somewhere between Marjorie’s Bar and Barrel Island, where locals know tide will be a factor.

“You’re going to want to ­overstand,” she says in a tone that means business.

The port tackers coming into the mark from the left are facing an adverse 2-knot ­current, and there’s a notable cluster developing where we don’t want to be. Summoning her years of local knowledge—learned in the pressure cooker of the Sneakbox fleet and passed down like the tablets from her illustrious forebears sailing E Scows—we hold high on the starboard layline (into the next ZIP code as far as I’m concerned), and pass elegantly around the hot, screaming mess to leeward.

This is when the fun really starts. In three tugs, she launches the asymmetric spinnaker out of the bow sock. We harden up and immediately rocket onto a plane. We manage the first jibe with a modicum of grace. But we’re quickly passed by Emily Haig and crew, father John, whose butt appears flush with the freeboard. (Note to self: As with proper grammar and holding the door for one’s lady, you cannot escape certain rules…including the need to hike.)

For the remainder of the day, Sarah is gracious enough to hold her tongue at the sloppy tacks, the cringe-inducing tactics and, well, let’s not mention the starts. But after every race in that July barnburner, we are relearning tacking, jibing, ­balance and tide sweep. We’re sailing fast and we’re laughing it up.

We are back in the game.

And that was precisely the point back in the plague-ridden winter of 2020 when we took a call from our friend Chris Fretz, a fellow traveler from Little Egg Harbor YC. He wanted us to pony up the money we weren’t spending on restaurants and buy into the sight-unseen idea of the Melges 15. Sarah and I had grown up sailing E Scows with our dads. In a more recent epoch, we crewed together on Doug Galloway’s LE-4 and rekindled our enthusiasm for the beloved boat of our upbringing.

I also discovered how much I loved sailing with Sarah—me on the jib, Sarah on the spinnaker, Rich Neff on the boards and uphauls, Doug tasked with getting us around the course unscathed. Excellent times. But then our friend Doug passed away from cancer—and the E Scow was just too much of a strain.

Enter the Melges 15.

“Little did I realize, Sarah got the same email with the same YouTube link. She was in the next room putting together her pitch. We met in the kitchen and placed the order. Right then. Right there.” Timothy Cole

Through the miracles of YouTube, I got a sense for the boat’s capabilities, fell madly in love with the kite, and sold my wife on the concept in about five seconds. Little did I realize, Sarah got the same email with the same YouTube link. She was in the next room putting together her pitch. We met in the kitchen and placed the order. Right then. Right there.

It came down to this: After the thrills of a performance experience like the E Scow, we were loath to retreat to a “retirement” boat with bench seating like the Lightning, the Flying Scot, or any of the well-regarded family of Marshall cats (insert apology to all loyal devotees here). We wanted our fannies to once again make contact with the gunwale. And like a lot of scow sailors (who’ve also had experience sailing iceboats), we are crazy for off-wind speed. Now Sarah and I are out there sharing the same adrenalin. In a big blow, with the kite up and the boat half out of the water, we are young again.

Bonus: We switch up the duties and both steer every other race, which gives the crewing party a chance to offer (mostly) sage, nurturing advice.

Builder Harry Melges III says that the design brief for the Melges 15 was challenging in its simplicity. It had to appeal to kids of all ages, like us.

“The classes with the best ability to incorporate the entire family are the ones that have generational success,” Melges says. “We really focused on making sure the M15 was fun, stable, durable, a great performer, comfortable for all ages to sail, and priced to be a great value.”

Apparently, we aren’t the only ones who’ve decided the Reichel/Pugh-designed M15 might be the “it” boat of our age. From a standing start this past spring, the class hosted its first three-regatta winter series in Sarasota, Florida, in January. The top-five finishers in the first regatta saw a mix of youth, experience and ­family togetherness. JJ Smith and Will Murray, of Palmetto, Florida—who were also top woman and top youth, respectively—won the first regatta, beating Finn Burdick and Melges president Andy Burdick, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with son skippering and dad crewing. There were Top Masters, Top Grandmasters, and what the heck, Top Mega Masters Ted Weihe and Joe Grabowski, of Sarasota.

What brought this 25-boat regatta together for the first winter series in a class that’s not even a year old? It might be something a little deeper than the “something for everyone” fallback. Someone, probably a Phoenician, said that a boat is a compromise. Strengths are offset by weaknesses. A gain here means giving up something over there. If there’s a compromise anywhere on this boat, we can’t find it. If anything, it’s built on this central premise: Make it fast and make it easy.

I see the Melges 15′s DNA in Reichel/Pugh’s big-boat ­offshore progenitors, like the record-smashing Wild Oats XI . A chop-cleaving plumb stem and narrower sections forward flare out to a maximum beam carried well aft. Flat sections from the midpoint translate ­farther aft to a wide transom that invites ready planing.

You see this design lineage in the Reichel/Pugh-designed Melges 24 and Melges 14. At every place the Melges 15 touches the water, the boat makes maximum use of the opportunity. That chop-­busting prow upwind transitions to a scowlike surf machine off the wind. With the kite up, the bow lifts out of the water all the way back to the chainplates. Even when we’re sliding down the front of a wave, the boat feels nicely balanced, with controls that fall effortlessly to hand, an easily driven sail plan, and spin-on-a-dime ­maneuverability. Sailing fast is stable, safe and fun.

So much for how the boat connects with the water; how does the crew connect with the boat? When I step aboard, I see that the rectangular cockpit is deep, and my knees offer thanks. The wraparound side tanks supply plenty of buoyancy either underway or just fiddling at the dock hoisting the sails. The pintles snap smartly into the gudgeons for the beefy alloy rudder. Likewise, the alloy daggerboard slots through a pair of trunk-protecting ABS plastic receivers.

The main and jib sheets lead into the crew positions amidships, and control main, jib and spinnaker. There are enough tweakable items such as the jib sheet leads and traveler to satisfy the confirmed tinkerer. The breakthrough vang design offers leech tension with a strut extending from above the gooseneck down to the boom, which makes traversing the cockpit a pleasure.

Our tour concludes at the bow, where the asymmetric kite emerges from a rugged bow sock affixed to the flat, elevated platform forward of the mast. The retractable sprit emerges, lancelike, when you pull the halyard, which is on a continuous circuit that leads out through the sock, through three grommets in the sail, ­culminating at the top. To strike, pop the halyard and pull on the douse line, which collapses the sail back into the sock and automatically retracts the ­bungee-enabled sprit.

So just what do we have here? It’s a quick-to-plane 15-foot doublehander weighing in at 230 pounds built around an easy-to-handle sail plan and a laugh-out-loud asym. Crew weight shouldn’t exceed 400 pounds. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. It’s a great boat for sailors with all kinds of different experience levels: emerging juniors, intercollegiate sailors, beginner and returning seniors, couples, moms, dads, and kids.

The racing is tight enough to offer close-quarters ­stimulation, and we’re always learning something new. The buy-in is manageable, and whole fleets are materializing out of the blue. If anything, the recent winter regatta series in Sarasota showed us that women intercollegiate sailors and other youngsters have an edge. But that’s always been the case, and returning alums (like Sarah and me) are just happy to be up there occasionally, where we can see the whites of their eyes.

When Sarah and I get off our Melges 15, the boat is the topic of conversation in the car, over dinner, and before the lights turn out at night. When we get off the boat, we want to get right back on.

Sarah calls her Dreamboat . It’s a perfect fit.

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Class Contact Information

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Class Email

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One-Design Class Type: Dinghy

Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Both

Approximately how many class members do you have? 200

Photo Credit:Melges Performance Sailboats | Morgan Kinney

Photo Credit: Melges Performance Sailboats | Morgan Kinney

About Melges 15

Released in May 2020, the Melges 15 is the latest addition to the Melges lineup – a double-handed dinghy designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges Performance Sailboats. The Melges 15 implements the best design aspects of the Melges sportboat line coupled with the rewarding nature, ease, and stability of scows.

Boats Produced: 200

Class boat builder(s):

Melges Performance Sailboats

Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? 200

Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:

Cross-country

Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? Yes

How many people sail as a crew including the helm?  2

Ideal combined weight of range of crew:  275-350

Boat Designed in  2020

Length (feet/inches): 15′

Beam: 5’6″

Weight of rigged boat without sails: 230

Draft: 2’7″

Mast Height:

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MELGES 15 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of MELGES 15. Built by Melges Performance Sailboats and designed by Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design, the boat was first built in 2020. It has a hull type of Dbrd. Dinghy and LOA is 4.57. Its sail area/displacement ratio 56.91. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

MELGES 15 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about MELGES 15 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, contributions, who designed the melges 15.

MELGES 15 was designed by Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design.

Who builds MELGES 15?

MELGES 15 is built by Melges Performance Sailboats.

When was MELGES 15 first built?

MELGES 15 was first built in 2020.

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THE MELGES 15

Sailing World’s 2022 Boat of the Year!

“The Melges 15 is a pathway boat for junior sailors and an adult racing platform that brings a deep cockpit, high stability, and an ease of handling”- Dave Reed, Sailing World, 12/22/2021

Designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges, the Melges 15 prioritizes stability, comfort, ease of use, and performance.

“The Melges 15 creates a clear pathway for junior sailors to get started and stay excited about sailing while also being comfortable and accessible enough for adults to learn, race, or cross-train,” said Harry Melges III.

The Melges 15’s stable hull shape and ergonomic cockpit make it a suitable layout for adult racing and educational sailing. Easy conversion from a club configuration (non-spinnaker) to a one-design setup, provides more versatility to club programs and options for individual owners.

With the main design goals focused on stability and performance in a variety of conditions, the boat features a narrow overall beam and a flat cross-section shape for stability, righting moment, and ease of planing. For a more forgiving feel upwind and to navigate larger sea states, the Melges 15 has just the right amount of fore and aft rocker.

Melges conducted extensive research and product testing to produce this layout factoring in cockpit depth, backbone height, and floor plan. The result is a comfortable environment for both the skipper and crew. The deeper cockpit takes the load off the sailor’s knees helping them feel locked into the boat while the high boom and gnav vang system work together to make the boat easier to maneuver.

The asymmetric spinnaker offers an additional performance element while the single-pull launch and retrieval system makes handling the sail easy and fast.

The Melges 15 is built to be sailed by everyone from friends and couples to families and kids. The design offers performance, comfort, and stability in one sleek package.

Ergonomic Cockpit –  The Melges 15 features an ergonomic platform and a broader weight range for competitive racing. Melges conducted extensive research and product testing to produce this layout factoring in cockpit depth, backbone height, and floor plan. The result is a comfortable environment for both the skipper and crew. The deeper cockpit takes the load off the sailor’s knees and helps them feel more locked into the boat. Creating a boat that adults can feel comfortable while sailing was a key design factor in the hull and cockpit design of the Melges 15.

Performance & Stability –  With the main design goals focused on stability and performance in a variety of conditions, the Melges 15 features a narrow overall beam and a flat cross-section shape for stability, righting moment, and ease of planing. For a more forgiving feel upwind and to navigate larger sea states, the Melges 15 has just the right amount of fore and aft rocker.

Single-Pull Spinnaker System –  The asymmetric spinnaker offers an additional performance element while the single-pull launch and retrieval system makes handling the sail easy and fast. One line pulls the halyard up, bowsprit out, and tack line out. To take the kite down, simply release the pull-up line and pull the douser line to take the kite back down again. The kite douses into a bag located in the front of the cockpit.

Cockpit Layout –  Every aspect of the deck hardware has been designed for simplicity and ease of use. With blocks and cleats situated in easy-to-grab locations making it easier on the skipper and crew to maneuver the boat.

Gnav Vang –  The Gnav vang system gives the crew substantially more space to maneuver in the cockpit.

Tapered Aluminum Mast –  The Melges 15 mast features a tapered mast tip allowing for maximum depowering when the breeze is up. The stiffer bottom of the mast combined with the softer mast tip allows the M15 to be sailed competitively by a wider range of weights in both light and heavy air.

Aluminum Foils –  Aluminum foils maximize performance and durability in one package. Consistent foil shape helps ensure fair racing across the class while being extremely durable.

Flip-up Rudder –  Never has been getting your rudder up been so easy. No need to get wet, no lines to pull, just pop the tiller up and pull it forward, this action pulls the rudder into its flipped up position.

Club Sailing or Racing –  Transitioning from a non-spinnaker to a spinnaker platform is quick and easy. Set the bowsprit and spin back in the boat and you are ready to go. This is a great feature for clubs who want to teach during the day and race at night.

Closed Transom –  Comfort and safety were at the forefront of this design. Closing the transom of the Melges 15 has eliminated the need for a false floor, allowing for a deeper more comfortable cockpit. Any water that enters the easily drains out of the scupper holes in the transom and the bailer in the cockpit.

Configuration – Two configurations:  Melges 15 One Design as noted above and he Melges 15 Club with no asymetrical spinnaker with an optional roller furling jib for recreational sailors. Contactus for more details. 

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MELGES SAILBOATS

FUN. MODERN. EASY TO SAIL.

Designed by Botin Partners Naval Architecture and built by Premier Composite Technologies, the Melges 40 is a weapon for windward/leeward, inshore and coastal racing. Fresh off the design line, the Melges 40 strengthens a unique sailing/racing experience.

The Melges 32 ®  is one-design racing at its best. Since 2005, it has successfully delivered bigger, better sailing that is fun and competitive. Complementing its sporty attitude, it possesses one of the most fun regatta schedules that includes many prestigious venues supported by an organized and well-established class association.

The reputation of the Melges 24 ®  precedes itself. Best known for its very competitive disposition and easy-to-sail personality, this modern sportboat maintains its status as a leader in high-performance, one design yachting. With more than 850 boats sold, it continues a humbling tradition of America's Cup, Olympic Medallists, Volvo Ocean Race recruitment. Looking to improve on tactics and boat handling skills? The Melges 24 builds better sailors.

Simple, fun world-class racing at yachting's most celebrated venues. Corinthians and professionals alike. Year after year, that's what the Melges 20 Experience is all about. The Melges 20 fulfills the need for a more compact, yet spacious, fast, well-built sportboat. With its introduction, Melges Performance Sailboats delivered the next generation of sailboat racing and competition. An exclusive Reichel/Pugh keelboat design, it is advanced in every respect. Made with high-quality materials and easy to rig, the Melges 20 enjoys a well-established worldwide fleet and fan base.

Designed by Reichel/Pugh and built by Melges, the Melges 15 prioritizes stability, comfort, ease of use, and performance. The Melges 15’s stable hull shape and ergonomic cockpit make it a suitable layout for adult racing and educational sailing. Easy conversion from a club configuration (non-spinnaker) to a one-design setup, provides more versatility to club programs and options for individual owners. With the main design goals focused on stability and performance in a variety of conditions, the boat features a narrow overall beam and a flat cross-section shape for stability, righting moment, and ease of planing.

Designed by Reichel/Pugh, the Melges 14 is a modern singlehanded one-design with the ability to sail with two. With its large and open transom, there’s never a need to bail. The carbon mast and boom complement its flexible sail plan with three different size rigs. With boats in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa, the Melges 14 is a one-design fleet for the masses. Sailors can order a custom Melges 14 dolly, easily car top it or tow it behind any vehicle. It’s a perfect beach boat, family sailboat or a one-design racing platform. It is speed, quality, durability, comfort and fun wrapped into one dynamic sailing package.

MELGES A SCOW

With six to seven crew, the A Scow is the fastest and largest of the Melges Scow family. Nothing compares to its century of heritage, delivering a combination of raw power, speed and performance unmatched in one-design sailing. A true classic, the A Scow is monumental to watch, not to mention powerful to race.

MELGES E SCOW

The elegant and super sleek Melges E Scow™ delivers an electrifying ride. The ever-growing fleet of Melges E Scows boasts both impressive world-class competition and accessible family fun for everyone. For more than 80 years, the E Scow has founded the tradition of fun and fast sailboat racing all over North America, from lakes and bays to protected ocean harbors. More than 50+ boats can be seen on the starting line.

An alternative, double-handed scow, the Melges 17 has a reputation for being fast and fun in light or heavy air. The rivalry pairings range from husband and wives to teamed siblings, making the Melges 17 the ultimate family racer!

MELGES C SCOW

The C Scow was the first class of scow built by Harry C. Melges, Sr. in 1945; it quickly became an all-time speed favorite. Inspired by more than 100 years of competitive racing, this cat-rigged, maneuverable sailboat is great fun and a total pleasure to sail. A modern, versatile and easy-to-sail boat, it accommodates 2-3 crew and is super-charged with a large, powerful mainsail. Built with integrity, the Melges C Scow™ is fast and calibrated superlatively for speed. It is one of the most friendly and popular classes in the Melges Scow family, producing as many as 80+ boats on the starting line.

An original design by the Melges family, the Melges MC is cat-rigged boat with one of the largest one-design fleets in all of North America. It is unique in the fact that you can sail single-handed or double-handed – Sailing solo is easy, taking a crew is fun! There are more than 100 fleets nationwide with more than 2,700 MCs actively racing each year.

MELGES X BOAT

The Melges X Boat® makes learning to sail fun, easy and addictive. For youth sailors, it is a rewarding experience that ultimately fosters a deep passion for the sport. Boasting a regular showing of over 100 boats at the X Inland Championship, it is one of the most active youth sailing fleets in North America. The Melges X Boat Experience not just about the racing. It’s about the community – Making lifelong friends through sailing, volleyball, and just plain fun. The Melges X Boat is the perfect, uncomplicated trainer designed specifically to be safe for novice sailors yet competitive & fun for aspiring junior racers. Fast and super smooth, it truly enables concise development and instruction of basic boat handling skills, maneuvers and racing tactics.

O’PEN SKIFF

Designed specifically for juniors, the little dinghy has blown a big breath of fresh air through our sailing world, close to the new-generation skiff concept, very fast and very simple. 100% open, self-bailing, rapid and responsive, with an up-to-date versatile rig, the O'pen Skiff offers kids a machine that delivers maximum fun while helping them learn the skills and reflexes to enjoy racing on current, high-performance equipment. Hundreds of sailing clubs around the world have opted for the O'pen Skiff, for a new, fun way of teaching sailing to appeal to youngsters attracted to new sail sports.

SKEETA & NIKKI

The Skeeta and Nikki are singlehanded foiling designs built by Jim and David French in Melbourne, AUS. The scow’s stability and ease are only further enhanced by the performance and durability of the wings and aluminum foils. Melges Performance Sailboats is the exclusive dealer for the Skeeta and the Nikki in North America.

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