Winter Series Event 2 Delivers ThrillING Finish at Record-Breaking 133-Boat Fleet
The Melges 15 Winter Series Event 2 lived up to its reputation, delivering five competitive races over two days at the Melges Watersports Center on Florida’s Space Coast—and doing so in record-setting fashion. With 133 boats on the starting line, the regatta marked the largest Melges 15 event ever held, further cementing the Winter Series as a cornerstone of big-fleet, one-design racing.
Saturday welcomed sailors with steady conditions ranging from 10–16 knots, setting the stage for three high-energy races and an electric atmosphere both on and off the water. The depth of talent was on full display, with a different team winning each race throughout the weekend. By the end of Day One, Esteban Forrer and Bridget Monahan (FL) held the overall lead after a consistent opening performance.
Sunday brought lighter conditions but no shortage of drama. Two final races reshuffled the leaderboard, culminating in a thrilling finish on the final downwind leg of Race 5. Olympic gold medalist Jonathan McKee and Libby McKee (WA) seized the moment, securing the overall victory in the final meters of the regatta. The husband-and-wife team topped the Grand Master (ages 60–69) and Couple divisions, showcasing experience, patience, and race-winning execution when it mattered most.
Behind the McKees, Forrer and Monahan held on for second overall, followed by Steve Hunt and Madeline Baldridge in third. Ricky Welch and Mitchell Martin finished fourth, while Teddy Bower and Amelia Sulciner rounded out the top five, also earning top honors in the Youth division.
With teams traveling from across the country and competition stacked throughout the fleet, Winter Series Event 2 once again highlighted the strength, depth, and momentum of the Melges 15 Class.
The Melges 15 Winter Series continues at the Melges Watersports Center with Event 3 on February 21–22, followed by the Midwinter Championship on March 20–22. Charter boats remain available for the remaining events and can be reserved at melgeswatersports.com.