86 TEAMS SIGNAL STRONG START TO 2025-26 MELGES 15 WINTER SERIES

The Melges 15 Class has officially launched the 2025-26 Winter Series at the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, FL. This year’s kickoff, November 22-23, has already attracted an impressive 86 registered teams.

The surge in entries marks another chapter of sustained expansion for the Melges 15 Class. With these numbers registered for this season-opener, the fleet reflects not only increased participation but also greater geographic diversity and stronger competition.

Competitors hail from 21 states across the United States, representing seasoned Melges 15 veterans, fresh one-design converts, collegiate sailing alumni, and multi-boat teams. Among the roster are reigning 2024-25 National Champion Chris Alexander, sailing with his daughters Penelope and Amabella (MS), Winter Series podium finishers Dana Haig and Nika Silkin (NJ), and crews bringing fresh energy to the class like newcomers Tim Sugar, sailing with his daughter Sydney, and Tim’s cousin, David Sugar, with his son, Bode.

With this many teams converging on a single event, the level of competition is elevated, and with it, the opportunity for class development, peer benchmarking, and growth.

Event 1 opens with a two-day clinic led by Harry Melges IV, Ripley Shelley, and Eddie Cox. The opening clinic brings a high-performance focus to the weekend, delivering hands-on coaching, on-water drills, and shoreside debriefs designed to accelerate sailor development. With coaching support from multiple RIBs and video review, participants receive clear, actionable feedback to elevate their racing technique.

Racing for Event 1 runs Saturday–Sunday, November 22–23. Follow results, photos, and video updates at melges15.com, and learn more about the venue at melgeswatersports.com.