Alexander & Baldridge Go Back-to-Back at Record-Breaking 2025 U.S. Melges 15 Nationals
The curtain has closed on the 2025 U.S. Melges 15 National Championship, hosted October 3–5 at Brant Beach Yacht Club in New Jersey. With a record-breaking 71 teams on the line, the three-day regatta delivered shifty conditions, tight racing, and standout performances across the fleet.
Day 1 opened with light and shifty 6–8 knot breezes, testing sailors’ patience and tactics. Defending champion Chris Alexander (MS), sailing with Madeline Baldridge (SC), wasted no time asserting themselves, collecting three race wins to establish an early lead over the field.
On Day 2, the conditions steadied into 6–10 knots, allowing the race committee to complete four races. The highlight of the morning came when father–daughter duo Madeleine and Parker Garrett (VA) captured their first-ever Melges 15 race win, and later Top Youth, a popular moment for the fleet.
“We had really clear air, made sure to sail fast, and played the shifts right,” said 17-year-old Madeleine Garrett. “It felt really good to be the first to win a race after Chris and Madeline did so well on Friday. And for it to be our first bullet ever made it even more exciting!”
Later in the day, Alexander and Baldridge struck back with wins in Races 5 and 7, reinforcing their commanding position. Local favorites Emily and John Haig (NJ) also scored a bullet, keeping the podium chase alive heading into the final day.
While Alexander and Baldridge secured the title with a 54-point margin by the end of Day Three, the rest of the podium was anything but certain. Conner Harding and Jennifer Agell (RI) stormed up the standings with a final-race bullet, jumping from 6th to 2nd overall and also securing Top Couple.
In total, nine races were sailed across three challenging days, with teams from across the country showcasing the depth, versatility, and excitement of the Melges 15 Class.
Behind Alexander and Baldridge, the battle for the remaining podium places remained tight, with strong performances from seasoned veterans, rising stars, and family teams alike. The regatta once again showcased the unique versatility of the Melges 15, attracting competitors from across the country and across generations.
“This is definitely the toughest Nationals I’ve sailed at, and it was the best regatta of my entire life. I’m on Cloud Nine,” reflected Alexander. “John Haig and Parker Garrett crewing while their daughters were driving was the highlight of the event. It’s what I aspire to do with my young daughters. If I can do that in the next few years, I’d be very happy.”
With the 2025 Nationals now in the books, the Melges 15 class continues its momentum as one of the fastest-growing one-design dinghy fleets in the U.S.
RESULTS
1st: Chris Alexander & Madeline Baldridge
2nd: Connor Harding & Jennifer Agell
3rd: Toby Sullivan & Graham Ness
4th: Emily & John Haig
5th: Dana Haig & Zoe Fisher
Top Youth: Madeleine Garrett w/ Parker Garrett
Top Female: Emily Haig w/ John Haig
Top Master: Brian Simpkins w/ Allison Simpkins
Top Grand Master: Scott Steele w/ Eliot Caple
Top Mega Master: Eric & Richard Leitner