Melges 15 Winter Series reaches 126 boats

Melges 15 Winter Series © Andrew Jowett

The Melges 15 Class continues its rapid growth into the 2026 season, setting a new participation milestone with 126 boats registered for the second event of the Winter Series, January 3-4, 2026, at the Melges Watersports Center in Merritt Island, FL. The record-setting turnout reinforces the Melges 15's position as one of the fastest-growing one-design fleets in North America.

Building on last season's momentum, when Event 2 drew 109 boats, the January regatta features two days of racing on the Banana River, preceded by a highly attended on-the-water clinic. More than 30 teams are expected to participate in the clinic, led by three-time world champion and guest coach Steve Hunt (CA) and 2025 National Champion Madeline Baldridge (SC).

"I cannot wait to sail the Melges 15! It's clear Melges has cracked the code for what sailing is all about: fun, family, and great times on the water," said Hunt.

Long known for attracting massive fleets to Florida during the final stretch of winter break, Winter Series Event 2 has become the benchmark event for the Melges 15 Class, shattering attendance records year after year.

Seventeen-year-old Anna Andert (FL) and her sister, Maija, take turns sailing with their father, Chris, during the regatta series.

"Having 100-plus boats on the racecourse at once brings an electric atmosphere to the event, both on and off the water," said Anna. "Sailors and families are having fun on land, and the moment they step off the beach, it's all game on."

The Melges 15 Winter Series has also evolved into a testing and proving ground for Vakaros RaceSense technology, with each January event marking the largest RaceSense-enabled event to date. The scale of the fleet provides a real-world environment to refine race management while delivering a seamless, high-level experience for competitors across all skill levels.

"Seeing RaceSense scale right alongside the Melges 15 fleet has been awesome. Every event feels like a step forward. Not just in numbers, but in how technology is elevating the entire racing experience," said Doug Wake (WI), Vakaros's RaceSense Director. Wake purchased a Melges 15 in 2024 and has competed in the Winter Series for the past three seasons.

The Melges Watersports Center has proven itself as an ideal venue for hosting fleets of this size, seamlessly supporting the Melges 15 Class with efficient launching, ample rigging space, and smooth race-day logistics. Just as important, the Melges Team delivers a level of customer service that keeps sailors coming back—creating an atmosphere that's organized, welcoming, and unmistakably fun. From the first launch to post-race conversations onshore, the venue plays a key role in making the Winter Series both enjoyable and competitive.

Following this weekend, the Melges 15 Winter Series continues with Event 3 on February 21-22, culminating in the Midwinter Championship on March 21-22. Charter boats remain available for upcoming events and are available on melgeswatersports.com.

Full results, photos, and additional event information will be available at melges15.com.