Long Island Leads Melges 15 Growth Ahead of 2025 East Coast Championship
The 2025 Melges 15 East Coast Championship is set for May 30-June 1 at Centerport Yacht Club in New York, with nearly 40 boats on the starting line. As the third edition of the East Coast Championship and a key regatta on the Championship Series calendar, this year’s event promises a mix of top-tier racing and class camaraderie.
While the Melges 15 Class continues to thrive worldwide, few places have embraced it as enthusiastically as Long Island Sound. What began with a handful of early adopters has transformed into one of the fastest-growing regional fleets in the country.
The Melges Team traveled from Wisconsin to New York with a trailer of nine new Melges 15s to deliver in time for the Championship, including hull number 999. These new boats are joining active fleets all over the state. This summer, over 50 Melges 15s will be racing across Long Island Sound, turning heads at some of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the Northeast.
Centerport Yacht Club has played a central role in the regional movement. The fleet has grown from six boats to one of the most active and visible in the area. Weekly club racing, tune-up sessions, and a tight-knit community have created an ideal launchpad for sailors of all skill levels.
“There was a passionate group of sailors at the club who would find themselves in the bar after PHRF racing, and the enthusiasm for a new one-design class was evident. The design concept of the M15 bridges the gaps found in past boats, providing a versatile and approachable platform for our diverse group,” said John Storck III, Regatta Chair and 2023 National Champion.
The Melges 15 is fast and tactical for experienced racers, forgiving enough for newer sailors, and comfortable enough to sail with a child or spouse. That balance has made it a go-to option for families, club fleets, and seasoned athletes.
“We have a very supportive group of owners who love to get involved through ‘Junior Sailing Day,’ where we take kids out on the Melges 15s and treat them to new experiences—like asymmetricals and planing—which they really enjoy!” said Allison Simkins, a member of CYC and Lloyd Harbor Yacht Club. “We also have a junior sailor, Sophie Adwar, racing her own Melges 15 this weekend. We’re all very excited for her!”
Beyond the racing, the East Coast Championship will spotlight the strong sense of community that defines the Melges 15 Class. Shared ownership models, club-owned boats, and casual evening races are helping lower the barriers to entry and build lasting participation.
The Simkins household owns two Melges 15s, one in honor of Allison’s birthday #777 (July 7) and their original boat #276, which is now lent out for club racing and traveling to events. This weekend, however, it’s their daughter Hallie Simkins who is taking the tiller of #276 and competing in her first class-sanctioned event alongside her parents.
“We are very fortunate that our youngest daughter, who grew up through the CYC junior program, caught the sailing bug,” explained Brian Simkins. “She and another former CYC junior, Brendan Strein, will be sailing on #276 Golden Ticket. It is a lot of fun to be out there competing with and against them–for bragging rights, of course!”
The Melges Team will be onsite coaching and providing daily coverage of the event on the Melges 15 Facebook and Instagram channels. Results will be available on melges15.com/results. For a full schedule of events featured in the Championship Series visit melges15.com/championship-events.
Charter a Melges 15 this Season
Chartering a Melges 15 through an authorized dealer is a perfect way to jump into the action this summer! Whether you're traveling to a major regatta or testing the waters before buying, charter boats are ready to race.
The Melges 15 has quickly become one of North America's most popular double-handed dinghies and is quickly gaining traction worldwide. Many Melges dealers offer charter opportunities for regional and national events, making it easier than ever to sail in top-tier fleets.
Availability varies by location and event, so it’s smart to reserve your charter early! Click any event below to be taken to the dealer charter reservation page.
East Coast Championship • May 30-June 1 • Centerport, NY
European Championship • July 10-13 • Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
West Coast Championship • September 13-14 • Marina del Rey, CA
National Championship • October 3-5 • Long Beach Township, NJ
Registration Open for Melges 15 Nationals
Registration is officially open for the 2025 Melges 15 U.S. National Championship, set to take place on Long Beach Island, NJ, and hosted by Brant Beach Yacht Club and the Brant Beach Sailing Foundation October 3-5, 2025.
The Jersey Shore is one of the East Coast’s top vacation destinations, with its iconic boardwalk, sandy Atlantic shoreline, and the home of LBI Chowderfest, which attracts crowds of more than 13,000. Barnegat Bay features protected waters between Long Beach Island and the New Jersey mainland, making it an ideal racing area for the Melges 15 Class. The region hosted the first Melges 15 Class-sanctioned regatta when the boat was first released in 2020 and later hosted the 2023 East Coast Championship.
“Nearby Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club was one of the first fleets to commit to the Melges 15, and our local fleet has only continued to grow,” said Clay Johnson, Colie Sails. “Fall is the best time to sail on the Bay because the temperatures are still warm, the breeze remains strong, and the summer crowd has gone home; we have the whole bay to ourselves.”
Building on the class’s phenomenal growth—now boasting over 1,000 boats sold—this year’s championship is primed to shatter records, with a heavy concentration of participants from the thriving East Coast fleet.
“The Melges 15 is truly pushing dinghy sailing forward. For the first time, the US has a dinghy class that is accessible and open to everyone–sailors of all ages and their families,” said Eddie Cox, Melges. “The proof is in the numbers. We’ve held more than a dozen events since our launch, with over 70 boats participating in the races. For anyone looking to join us on the water, what are you waiting for? Join the movement.”
New Jersey teams dominated the Midwinter Championship in Florida with a podium sweep, setting the tone for fierce competition at the 2025 U.S. Nationals. New boats and charter boats are available for the regatta.
Regatta Report: SDYC Spring Dinghy
Regatta Report by Morgan Paxhia
Emily and I first did a demo day on the Melges 15 in September 2024 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, CA. Our sail was only about 30 minutes and we were instantly psyched about this boat we had been hearing so much about with the big East Coast fleets. Our initial impressions: fun, fast, and simple.
This past February, we chartered a boat for the Winter Series Event 2 out of the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, FL. We signed up for their clinic prior to the regatta so we could learn more about the setup, boat handling, and glean any other tips and tricks from the Melges Team. The Winter Series was an incredible experience racing against 94 boats with a lot of serious talent.
A cool innovation we got to experience was the Vakaros Atlas 2, which has a software program called RaceSense. During starts, this program provides start time to all boats, tells you distance to the line, and if you are over the line at the start. We were OCS twice and the instrument makes it very apparent as your screen only displays “OCS” and red LED lights illuminate until you clear yourself. We also had compass heading, GPS speed, and heel angle. Great data package and a real game changer for the sport of sailing and the race committee.
In March, I took delivery of our new Melges 15 USA 846, now named Enigma. We chose the name in memory of our dog Dory, whom we recently said goodbye to after 14 years.
Emily flew down on Friday of the SDYC Spring Dinghy Regatta, and we got in a few hours of practice. Pablo Aguilar and crew from Mexico, who finished second in the event, were with us for the practice session. We had good upwind speed while they were quick downwind, which was consistent throughout the regatta as they were the fastest downwind boat out there.
We raced in San Diego’s South Bay with the Navy shipyard behind us and Coronado waterfront to weather. SDYC got in four races on Day 1 and three races on Day 2. We had a pretty classic SD weekend of blue skies and a modest sea breeze of 8-12 knots, max 14 knots for a little bit each day.
Our objectives were to continue learning the boat, be active with weight and controls, communicate nonstop, and have fun. The breeze was shifty off the Coronado shore, so we quickly learned that we could be pretty aggressive with tacking on the shifts, keeping the bow pointing toward the mark. This really helped us to be in the top 3-5 boats at each windward mark. We learned a lot downwind with weight placement, kite pressure, and using our weight to help turn the boat up and down. The angles downwind can be significant, and we learned that you work just as hard sub-planing as planing to get as much VMG as possible. Emily worked the boat nonstop — the sails and communicating. Upwind, Emily was on the compass and head-out-of-the-boat, and I took on that role downwind.
Next up, Cal Race Week May 31-June 1, Long Beach Race Week June 20-22, and the West Coast Championship September 13-14! We are in the process of building the SD fleet with Mission Bay Yacht Club as the primary home, and we look forward to being a regular in their weekly Thursday Night Thing. Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about the boat and participating in the fun - morganpaxhia@gmail.com.
2025 Melges 15 Great Lakes Championship Registration Open
Registration is open for the 2025 Melges 15 Great Lakes Championship August 22-24 at Charlevoix Yacht Club in Charlevoix, MI. Competitors can save $50 on the entry fee through July 20, 2025.
One year after the National Championship in Traverse City, the fleet is heading one hour north to compete in Charlevoix - a bustling harbor town with iconic beaches, towering sand dunes, and a charming downtown. Racing will be held on Lake Charlevoix, the third-largest inland lake in Michigan, with 56 miles of shoreline.
“The Melges 15 has brought new energy to our club, attracting younger sailors and reigniting the enthusiasm of our PHRF sailors, who are joining the fun, too!” observed Valerie Snyder, CYC member.
“Over the last few years, several of our teams traveled to Florida for the Melges 15 Winter Series, and many of us competed in the Melges 15 Nationals in Traverse City,” said CYC Commodore Suzanne Balter. “This year, we will start our Thursday night club racing at the end of May, host a Melges 15 Invitational on June 22, and are honored to host the Great Lakes Championship in August.”
Three days of racing are scheduled alongside Thursday practice, shoreside parties, and a fleet dinner. Competitors are encouraged to reserve housing early as it is a popular tourist destination. Accommodation options range from camping at Fisherman's Island State Park to hotels and vacation rentals.
The U.S. Championship Series consists of class-sanctioned events aimed at elevating competition, supporting regional fleets, and fostering camaraderie among racers.:
East Coast Championship May 30-June 1 • Centerport, NY • Centerport Yacht Club
Inland Championship July 21-August 1 • Excelsior, MN • Minnetonka Yacht Club
Great Lakes Championship August 22-24 • Charlevoix, MI • Charlevoix Yacht Club
West Coast Championship September 13-14 • Marina del Rey, CA • California Yacht Club
U.S. National Championship October 3-5 • Long Beach Township, NJ • Brant Beach Yacht Club
Fleet-building promotions are available for 2025. Click here to request a quote for a new boat, or email eddie@melges.com to schedule a demo at your club.
Emily & John Haig Win 2025 Melges 15 Midwinter Championship & Overall Series
Father-daughter duo Emily and John Haig (NJ) clinched victory at the 2025 Melges 15 Midwinter Championship March 21-23 at the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, FL. Their impressive performance secured not only the Midwinter Championship title but also their third overall Winter Series win.
Competing against a stacked fleet of 96 teams from across the U.S., the Haigs demonstrated consistency and skill in the fourth and final event of the 2024-25 Winter Series. In total, more than 180 teams from 27 states traveled to the newly opened Melges Watersports Center throughout the season, marking another successful year of high-caliber competition in the Melges 15 Class.
“Five years ago, my dad and I started at the boat every time so we could hear the Race Committee calling times. Now we have the Vakaros units that count down the clock for us and tell us if we’re over in a ninety-plus boat fleet,” explained Emily regarding the evolution of the Winter Series since 2021.
The regatta kicked off with the most stable conditions of the weekend, as winds started at 7 knots and built to puffs of 18 knots. Jordan Wiggins and Min Min Kelly (FL) took an early lead, claiming victory in Race 1. Claudia Bartlett (TX), sailing with her husband John, delivered a standout downwind performance to capture her first win of the series in Race 2. Brothers Kamron and Quinn Kaiser (WI) claimed Race 3 before Emily and John Haig secured a crucial win in Race 4 to close out the day.
“Now I can retire from sailing,” Claudia joked. “We’re in the old, old people division. But we don’t care because age is just a state of mind. So John and I have been sailing together since we got married 25 years ago.”
On Day 2, light morning winds gave competitors time to enjoy volleyball, dolphin watching, and paddleboarding before the afternoon sea breeze filled in. Once racing resumed, the fleet took on three additional races. Siblings Michael and Lauren Ehnot (NJ) made their mark by winning back-to-back races, while Event 1 winners Cole Schweda and Meta Simon (WI) secured a win in the final race of the day.
The wind showed up late to the party on Sunday, resulting in no further races being contested.
Top Couple and past Olympian Brianna Searle commented, “Seeing the amazing class and facility was awesome to experience. Every racer should experience this because it’s very rare that you get to compete against 100 boats.”
Save the dates for the 2025-26 Melges 15 Winter Series at the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, FL: November 22-23, January 3-4, February 21-22, and the Midwinter Championship March 20-22. Registration and hotel blocks will be announced soon on melges15.com.
Final Showdown of the Melges 15 Winter Series
The 2024-25 Melges 15 Winter Series celebrates a record-breaking season after welcoming 184 teams to four events. The series concludes with 92 teams competing for the Midwinter Championship at the Melges Watersports Center on March 21-23.
Teams traveled from 27 states while New Yorkers flocked in droves to the Series, bringing a host of 18 teams from across the state. The crew of Jeff Sullivan, Billy Farmer, and Travis Odenbach (NY) send their boats south in a custom-built box trailer for the season.
“We only have to move the boats twice a year. Melges has made it really easy to store and transport everything so we can fly down from the frigid north to enjoy a weekend on the water,” explained Sullivan. “When the trailer is loaded in November, we are going south not only to race but for our family vacation, so we can’t forget the most important items: beach toys, scooters, pool floaties, kids' lifejackets, and backup car seats.”
One of the largest divisions has been the family division, making up 20% of the teams competing. David Poquette (IL) has been racing with his 14-year-old, Evan, and this marks their third Winter Series event.
“Getting on the water with my son, who was initially afraid of competitive sailing—what an entry point! Evan has only sailed in four regattas, with two of them here at the Melges Watersports Center,” explained Poquette. “It’s been an amazing experience, with a great family vibe and all levels of experience on the water—super competitive, but in the right way! This is some of the best sailing I have ever been part of, and sharing it with my son is incredible.”
Twenty-nine teams are in contention for the overall series championship after competing in all four events. This series edition marked a notable change for the scoring, where a team drops its worst score every six races.
Two-time Overall Series winner Emily Haig (NJ) has been part of the Melges 15 Class since 2020, initially racing with her father, John. Now, she competes against her sister, Dana, and they alternate sailing with their father as part of a two-boat family program.
Each regatta has been preceded by a clinic led by the Melges Team and special guest coaches, including Olympian Paris Henken and Harry Melges IV, Ripley Shelley, Kyle Navin, and Louisa Nordstrom from American Magic. However, coaching doesn’t end at the start of the regatta. The Melges 15 Class allows for on-the-water coaching as long as it is available to all competitors. Many sailors have approached the coach boat between races for tips on technique, tuning, and tactics.
Melges Coach Eddie Cox stated, “The Melges 15 Class is committed to offering all competitors access to world-class coaching and instruction. It has been wonderful to see so many teams take advantage of the clinics and learning opportunities here at the Melges Watersports Center.”
The Midwinter Championship features three action-packed days of racing Friday-Sunday, with results, photos, and videos shared on melges15.com. For more information about the Melges Watersports Center and its offerings, visit melgeswatersports.com.