Since it's inception over 850 boats have been launched across the country. Melges continues its aggressive building program and launching another 200 boats and they just opened a build site in Nelo in Vila do Conde, Portugal. The hull shape, sail area, and rigging are optimized for multi-generational and mixed-gender crews whether they're learning to sail or racing. The 3:1 mainsheet and 2:1 jib sheets keep the sheet loads comfortable, the GNAV style boom vang keeps the cockpit roomy, and the spinnaker system doesn't get any simpler for ease of use to go flying downwind.
If you are looking for a fun new boat that is simple to rig and easy to sail, yet still gets top-level performance and fun, the M15 is perfect for you. For beginners, it will take some time to grow into the full potential of this boat, but it is simple and forgiving enough to let you approach it early and grow with it over time. With a rapidly growing fleet in North America, experienced racers will enjoy some fun and fast one-design fleet racing with series popping up all over the country.
According to the team at Melges, the 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. 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.